Paris Nice, Stage 4: Cheering Him On

French cycling fans, and indeed fans from all over Europe, are very enthusiastic about their sport, but none more so as when one of their own flies past them.  Particularly if they are doing as well on the day (and the race) as Julian Alaphilippe (Quickstep).  Alaphilippe started the day in second place overall and in the White Jersey of best young rider.  He was hoping to exchange white for yellow at the end of the day.  A hope that could well be realized since the Yellow Jersey of Arnaud Demare (FDJ) is on more of a sprinter than a climber like Alaphilippe.  What wasn't expected was that the young French man would not only claim the Yellow Jersey, but the stage as well.  Chapeau!

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2931062-352-195767/PaintingCheering%20Him%20On%20PN17-17.html#.WMBbjfkrLIU

Paris Nice, Stage 4: Dancing Up the Hill

Alberto Contador (Trek Segafredo) sporting his new team's kit, was another of those pre-race favorites who lost time on the first stage of the race.  Unlike Porte, he has been fighting to stay close on the general classification.  Today he hopes to combine his climbing abilities with his time trial prowess to move back into contention for the Yellow Jersey.  Contador laid down strong early time splits and took over the lead on the day as he crossed the finish line atop Mont Brouilly.

Today's stage started in Beaujeu and rode through the vineyards made famous by Beaujeulais wines every fall.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2931057-350-195767/PaintingDancing%20Up%20the%20Hill%20PN17-15.html#.WMBXY_krLIU