Tour '26, Stage 16 ITT: Making a Bee Line for the Finish!

Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) was setting an amazing pace around the course on the French side of Lake Geneva! He set new best times at each time check out on course.  He was still building speed through the straight flat roads towards the end of the twenty-six-kilometer course making a bee line for the finish in Thonon les Bains.  He was the new best time when he finished as well.  However, he dropped to third by the time the last guy crossed the line.  Still, it was a brilliant ride for the Dane and helped keep his team in the lead of the team race.  I was surprised that while Lidl-Trek still had their yellow bib numbers of team leaders, they had opted for white helmets today.  I guess no one had gotten them new yellow aero helmets for the individual time trial.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Making a Bee Line to the Finish! TdF26-120" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Paris Nice '25, Stage 7: Falling Hard

I am breaking one of my own rules here, but this crash meant something in the overall general classification.  Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) started the day in third place just under a minute behind the race leader.  And he was a mere nineteen seconds off of the race for the Maillot Blanc.  But an unseen traffic island in the middle of an S curve caught the young Dane off guard.  Riders on the front gave a warning of the danger, but his teammate just ahead was so occupied avoiding the danger himself, that he didn't give a warning to the guy right on his wheel.  His teammate, Mads Pedersen, and one of the Gendarmes escorting the peloton were the first to check on his condition.  He had come down hard smacking his helmet against the road.  Pedersen stayed with him until the team car and the doctor arrived and then had to press on with the race.  You can just see the green shorts that go with his Maillot Vert peeking out under his rain gear.  In order to carry that sprinter's jersey to Nice, Pedersen had to keep going.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Falling Hard PN25-28" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Nice '25, Stage 6: Every Opportunity

Not only did Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike) come to Paris Nice on form, he also brought his race brain along, too.  Seeing an opportunity to add bonus seconds at the intermediate sprint in Lancon-Provence, he jumped free of the leading group to add a ten second time bonus.  Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) went for a bonus as well in hopes of retaking the Maillot Blanc that he lost yesterday.  While he did add four bonus seconds, his rival in the competition for best young rider, Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) got the last remaining bonus of two seconds, thus holding onto his white jersey for now.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Every Opportunity PN25-26" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Happily, this painting has sold!

Paris Nice '25, Stage 5: You Coming?

Despite the lone leader taking the maximum points (and bonus seconds) at the intermediate sprint just meters ahead, it would help those behind to gain what bonuses were still available.  Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) attempts to lead out his teammate Mattias Skjelmose - currently in the Maillot Blanc - to gain important time on the guy just behind Skjelmose in that competition.  Instead, as he looked back and found Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) on his wheel instead.  The problem is that is the very man chasing his teammate for that white jersey.  Since Skjelmose couldn't make the move, Pedersen kept sprinting thus limiting the seconds Lipowitz could gain.  It didn't really matter, Skjelmose was about to lose big time on the final climb anyway.  Watching it all in the catbird seat is Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike) mildly disappointed not to gain anytime himself.  But then he is chasing his own teammate to retake the Maillot Jaune.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"You Coming? PN25-20" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Nice '25, Stage 4: Getting Some Back

Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) jumped out of the chasers to claim victory atop La Loge des Gardes becoming the next member of his team to beat Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) on this climb.  For his part, Vingegaard's second place on the stage was enough for him to take the Maillot Jaune off of the shoulders of his teammate, dropping Matteo Jorgenson into second place by a mere five seconds.  Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) claiming third and a few bonus seconds moved him into the Maillot Blanc of the best young rider.  Just behind Skjelmose is Lenny Martinez (Bahrain-Martinez).  The title comes from the fact the Almeida and his team didn't have a great team time trial, so this victory moves him back into contention for the final yellow jersey, since he moved up thirteen places on the GC. He now sits thrity-seven seconds off of the lead in fifth place.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Getting Some Back PN25-17" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Nice '25, Stage 4: Attacking on the Final Climb

With everyone warmed back up, the sun back out, and most of the breakaway caught, it was time for the general classification guys to fight it out on the final climb.  The first to attack on La Loge des Gardes was the current Maillot Blanc (although you can't see it for the rain gear), Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe).  He was quickly covered by the guy in second place in the young rider's competion, Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek).  Of course, both Matteo Jorgenson (hidden) and Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) weren't about to let the move go, either.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Attacking on the Final Climb PN25-15" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour de France 23, Stage 21: Non-Traditional

This has been a very non-traditional Tour in many ways and today continued that pattern with the attack of Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates).  He managed to lose the shadow of Nathan Van Hooydnock (Jumbo-Visma).  He was now joined by Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) and Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost).  Since they didn't have the Yellow Jersey on their team, they were willing to work with him in hopes of getting to the finish line before the peloton laced with sprinters.  At this point they still had thirty six kilometers to race, but their advantage had now dropped to six seconds.  Soon everything would be back to normal, but we would all remember the Tadej Pogacar was a very competitive bike racer, and a bit of a cheeky one, too.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3967238-147-297438/Painting/non-traditional-tdf23-142.html

 

Tour de France 23, Stage 20: The Polka Dots Are Mine!

Going first over the Col de la Schluct (and all of the previous climbs of the day) meant that now no one could earn enough King of the Mountain points to take the Maillot a Pois off the shoulders of Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek).  Has he went over the top he celebrated and looked back at the man who had led him out for so many of the climbs in the last three stages, Mattias Skjelmose, and found him pumping his fist in celebration as well.  He then got on the radio, to inform the team and thank them for all of their hard work on his behalf.  50 meters later, the racing got real as several behind him attacked on the descent.  

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3966831-133-297438/Painting/the-polka-dots-are-mine-tdf23-133.html

Tour de France 23, Stage 20: Launched by His Team

Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) set out at the start of the stage with just one goal, to secure the Maillot a Pois.  He was led to the top of the first climb, the Ballon d'Alsace, by none other than Mads Pedersen and it was Mattias Skjelmose who took him to the line.  As he went over in first place, he was followed in turn by both teammates, with Skjelmose taking second and Pedersen taking third.  Dylan Van Baarle (Jumbo-Visma) in his Dutch Champion's jersey just watched them get on with it.  He had a more important job to do.  He was on the front to look after his leaders Maillot Jaune.  Ciccone will need to go first over the first four climbs of the day to put the King of the Mountains title out of anyone else's reach.  His closest competitor, Felix Gall (Ag2r-Citroen) wasn't in the early break, so it is unlikely he will put up any resistance.  And the other, is Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) who is far more concerned with making sure he keeps his Maillot Jaune to bother with sprinting for KOM points.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3966827-131-297438/Painting/launched-by-his-team-tdf23-131.html

 

Tour de France 23, Stage 17: Flying Up the Mountain

It is always a treat to see the leaping Devil in the Alps.  Didi Stenft leapt as the lead group went by on the Cormet de Roseland lead my Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek).  The Devil had some extra vigor in his leap as one of the press photographers capture much the same image I am.  Skjelmose's teammate Guilio Ciccone was hoping to get another ten points to add to his hold on the Maillot a Pois.  On his wheel is one of the French favorites, Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) looking for a stage win in his final Tour de France.  Just peeking over the shoulder of Pinot is the Australian, Ben O'Connor riding for the French team Ag2r-Citroen.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra. 

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3966332-111-297438/Painting/flying-up-the-mountain-tdf23-111.html

 

Tour de France 23, Stage 17: Insurance

Obviously, Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) started the day with the Maillot a Pois and the lead in the King of the Mountains competition.  With only five points to the good, he got himself into the break with his nearest competitor, Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost).  Alas, Powless just didn't have the legs to keep the fight going, but that didn't mean Ciccone wasn't going to look back and make sure no one was going to try and steal the maximum points on offer atop the Col des Saisies.  He was being helped beautifully by his Danish Champion teammate, Mattias Skjelmose.  On their wheels, with other goals for the day were Ben O'Connor (Ag2r-Citroen) and the pair of Jayco-Alula of Simon Yates and Lawson Craddock.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra. 

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3966317-110-297438/Painting/insurance-tdf23-110.html

Tour de France 23, Stage 10: Searching for the Leading Group

The trio of Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek), Michal Kwiatkowski (Ineos-Grenadiers) and Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal-Quick Step) caught up to Warren Barguil (Arkea-Samsic) as they searched for a total of six guys up the road.  Barguil was drifting back on the final climb of the day, the Cote de la Chapelle Marcousse.  He couldn't hold the pace of the leaders, but perhaps he was waiting for these three guys so they could chase the leaders together.  Alas, they never quite caught more than a sight of them for the rest of the day.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3964978-59-297438/Painting/searching-for-the-lead-group-tdf23-59.html

Tour de France 23, Stage 9: A Bit of a Discussion

With the early break away looking like it might have a chance of getting to contest the stage victory, Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) jumped out of the peloton in an effort to bridge across the the leaders.  His attempt to cross the two minutes was covered by Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost).  Bettiol has a teammate in the break so was disinclined to help Skjelmose's chagrin.  The Danish champion did look back and question why the Italian on the American team wasn't helping in the effort.  An exchange of words on the lines of :

"Why don't you help?"

"My teammate is up there."

"Then why are you here with me?"

Shrug

The pair never got up, and were soon back in the folds of the peloton.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3964555-48-297438/Painting/a-bit-of-a-discussion-tdf23-48.html

Tour de France 23, Stage 5: Looking for Help

Working in the moment means I didn't realize this is the third title from this stage that starts with the word, "looking."  Oh well, so it goes.

At the base of the Col de Marie Blanque the duo of Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) and his shadow, Sepp Kuss (Jumbo-Visma) were rejoined by an elite group of chasers.  Most importantly for Pogacar, his teammate in the Maillot Jaune, Adam Yates, was now here to help limit his losses to the fleeing Jonas Vingegaard.  Also riding for their own interests, that just so happened to coincide with those of the man in the Maillot Blance where the French Champion, Valentin Madouas (Groupama-FDJ) and his team leader David Gaudu, along with Yates' twin brother Simon Yates (Jayco-Alula), Carlos Rodriquez (Ineos-Grenadiers) and Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek).  Three of these guys have teammates up the road, so Kuss, Rodriguez, and Skjelmose all won't be aiding in the chase.

It should be noted that the last time Adam Yates held the Maillot Jaune for four days he lost it on the stage that included the Col de Marie Blanque.  Unfortunatley for the co-leader of UAE Team Emirates, history did repeat itself today.  Not the best day for his team.  Both of the Yates brothers and Pogacar dropped four places on the general classification, but at least Pogacar held onto his lead in the Maillot Blanc by 16 seconds.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3963885-28-297438/Painting/looking-for-help-tdf23-28.html

 

Wollongong 2022, Elite Men's Road Race: The Rainbow Is Gone

All during the women's road race the cameras kept catching rainbows appearing while the rains pelted the women's peloton.  Today the sun shone all day, but then that is not the rainbow that has left this quartet.  Instead it is the rainbow bands of the world champion that have ridden out of their grasp at the end of the 270 kilometers of racing.  Pascal Eenkhoorn (Netherlands), Mauro Schmid (Switzerland), Mattias Skjelmose (Denmark) and Lorenzo Rota (Italy) had seen both Alexey Lutsenko and Remco Evenepoel ride away from them.  They didn't have the legs to go with either rider.  Lutsenko was still up the road, so the best these four could hope for was to race for the bronze medal.  In the end, their race fell even further apart.  They managed to catch Lutsenko, but then slowed down too much as they each watched the other not wanting to be the one to be on the front of the group in the final kilometers.  They were caught by the chasers, and all hopes of even being on the podium evaporated in an instant.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $90 USD including shipping, and yes, international shipping is available. 

If you can't afford to purchase a piece you could always help keep me going by buying me a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/greigsartc.  And check out my vlogs at my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGX-TnjXDSkkOidUE6pN1g 

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Wollongong-2022-UCI-Road-World-Championships/3907917-32-295031/Painting/the-rainbow-is-gone-uci22-32.html