Tour Down Under, Stage 2: Up the Final Climb

The peloton pulled back in the final break away rider with about 14 kilometers left to race.  Now it was time to play a game of rolling chess.  With the bonus seconds William Clarke (EF Education First-Drapac) had won early in the stage, if the three podium finishers did not place, or Clarke took the stage, he would pull on the next Ochre Jersey of the 2018 Tour Down Under.  So it was that Mitchell Docker and two other members of Clarke's team hit the front with just seven kilometers of climbing left to go to the finish.  Keeping an eye on the pink clad train were, Elia Viviani (Quick Step) and Maciej Bodnar (Bora-Hansgrohe).  It should be noted that Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) had lost contact with the peloton, but the other two from Stage 1, Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Caleb Ewan (Mitchelton-Scott) were just behind this leading group.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com  To purchase this artwork, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3098427-101-194179/PaintingUp-the-Final-Climb-TDU18-8.html

Dauphine, Stage 1: Peddling Through Town

The first stage on the open road featured the requiste break away.  The duo of Mitch Docker (Orica-GreenEdge) and Frederik Backaert (Wanty-Groupe Gobert).  The two had managed to build up to five minutes on the peloton.  But by the time they road through the town of Peyzieu the teammates of the sprinters had reeled back two minutes on the escapees.  One of the treats of watching cycling throughout the world, is the chance to see areas of great beauty and charm.  I often wonder how much the riders really get to enjoy the scenery.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  While you are on the site, be sure to check out my other works of art and my two cycling books.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Bear in mind that this is a one of a kind original and once it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Criterium%20du%20Dauphine/2804035-41-185083/Painting.html#.V1Y7gJErLIU