Fleche Wallonne '26: Jeune, Fort, et Francais

I apologize if the French is wrong in the title.  Translated, I hope it reads as "Young, Strong, and French".  Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) jumps free of the peloton claiming victory in Fleche Wallonne atop the Mur de Huy by three seconds over the rest of the peloton. With this win he becomes the youngest male cyclist to win at the tender age of nineteen! Behind him are Mauro Schmid (Jayco-Alula) and Ben Tulett (Visma-Lease a Bike) respectively finishing out the podium.  Benoit Cosnefroy (UAE Team Emirates) claimed fourth finishing six seconds ahead of the rest of the field.  As Bob Rolle and Christian Vandevelde, "the hype is real" referring to the young Seixas.  Will he eventually be the guy to finally reclaim the Tour de France for the French?

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. 

"Jeune, Fort, et Francais FW26-7" (Original art by Greig Leach) 

Fleche Wallonne '26: Inside the Final Kilometer

With a mere 600 meters until the finale, all of the favorites were massed at the front of the peloton waiting for the right moment to launch their attacks.  The front line was composed of two not expected to be there, Joan Bou (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) and Ben Tulett (Visma-Lease a Bike) and the odds-on favorite Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM).  The next row, theoretically better positioned, were the Swiss champion Mauro Schmiel (Jayco-Alula), Romain Gregoire (Groupama-FDJ-United) and Benoit Cosnefroy (UAE Team Emirates).  It was nice to see Alex Baudin (EF Education-EasyPost) leading up the remnants of those hoping to vie for the win at the summit of the Mur de Huy.

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.  

"Inside the Final Kilometer FW26-6" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Fleche Wallonne '26: Any Takers?

As the peloton went over the top of the Huy de Mur for the first time Raul Garcio Pierna (Movistar) went on the attack off the front. After opening up a slight gap, he looked back to see if anyone was going to join him in his escape effort.  Several joined him, they got caught, he went again, and then it all came to not.  Of course, there was still over seventy kilometers to race, it was a bit early to go for a winning move.  I do realize that there are still four guys off the front that have been there for a least a hundred kilometers all ready.

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. 

"Any Takers? FW26-3" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Fleche Wallonne 23, Men’s Race: When He Knew

I suspect that Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) knew he would win today when he woke up.  He had his team working all day to keep the break aways in check.  They also set a pace that made it near impossible for anyone to get away from the team policing the front of the peloton.  The team knew that all they had to do was deliver Pogacar in a good position at the base of the Mur de Huy and he would be able to do the rest on his own.  Many tried to get a jump on him and even more tried to follow his acceleration, but when he looked over his shoulder with 50 meters left to go he knew that he could add la Fleche Wallonne to his palamares, finally.

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, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3946984-548-195767/Painting/when-he-knew-fw23-12.html

Fleche Wallonne 23, Men’s Race: What Was Expected

Just because everyone expected Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates), it doesn’t mean they were going to be able to do anything about it.  With roughly 500 meters left to climb, Pogacar went on the offense after all of the work his team had done all day.  At first it looked like Guilin Ciccone (Trek-Segafredo) was going to catch the fleeing Slovenian, but he soon faded finishing fifth on the day.  Last year’s victor, Michael Woods (Israel-Premier Tech) looked like he might be poised to repeat, but he too, was unable to match the power of Pogacar in the closing meters of the day.  He managed a fourth this time out.  It was Ciccone’s teammate, Matthias Skejlmose, who took second today, and a surprised rush by Mikel Landa (Bahrain-Victorious) who claimed third.

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, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3946981-547-195767/Painting/what-was-expected-fw23-11.html

Fleche Wallonne 23, Women’s Race: Queen of Mur de Huy

She may have attacked too soon on the final climb of Fleche Wallonne, but it can’t be denied that Demi Vollering (SD Worx) had the legs to get to the top all alone.  After looking back to make sure no one was closing on her (it has happened  to some whom celebrated too soon) she began her celebrations a good 25 meters from the line.  I was struck by her simple act of removing her sunglasses, part in glee, and part to make sure we saw her face in all of the photos shot as she crossed the line alone.  She becomes only the 11th woman to win the now 23 year old Fleche Wallonne Femmes.  Chapeau!

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, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3946458-542-195767/Painting/queen-of-mur-de-huy-fwf23-6.html

Fleche Wallonne 23, Women’s Race: Climbing Away

Demi Vollering (SD Worx) as been having an absolutely amazing spring season!  As the peloton caught all of the earlier escapees at the base of the Mur de Huy, she just up the pace.  The increase was enough to leave everyone struggling to get to her wheel.  The last to lose contact was Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM).  The only questions was had she gone too soon.  The final climb of Fleche Wallonne is like climbing a wall.  Should someone go too soon, they can find themselves unable to sustain the effort up the kilometer and a third climb that tops out at an eighteen percent gradient.  Given the season that she and the team have been having, I betting she’ll just continued to increase her advantage.  If you are wondering Niewiadoma finished in eleventh place a full twenty six seconds behind the winner on 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 $90 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3946445-540-195767/Painting/climbing-away-fwf23-4.html

Flèche-Wallone 23, Women’s Race: Getting a Gap

On the second time up the fabled Mur de Huy, this trio of the World Champion, Annemiek Van Vleutin (Movistar), Ashleigh Moolman Pasio (AG Insrance-Quick Step) and Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM) were able to open up a gap on the rest of the peloton.  Just behind them Elisa Longo Borghini (Trek-Segafredo) struggles to join the move.  As they went over the top of the climb Borghini was able to join them as they built up a gap on the way down the other side of the ‘wall.’  

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, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3946368-537-195767/Painting/getting-a-gap-fwf23-1.html

Fleche Wallonne: Two in a Row

While it was Jakob Fulgsang (Astana) who launched the attacks on the final climb of Mur de Huy, it was Julian Alaphilippe (Decenunick-Quick Step) who landed the victory.  Alaphilippe was able to repeat his victory from last year despite being forced to spend energy chasing back on early in the race. Fulgsang almost got back on the Frenchman, but in the end he had to settle for second place.  You can just see the heads of the peloton cresting the hill behind, giving you an idea about just how good the pair climbed the Mur de Huy.

I plan to be back painting Liege-Bastogne-Liege on Sunday.  I will then take on the Tour of California where I pray there will be access to both the men's and women's racing.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/3322913-442-195767/Two%20in%20a%20Row%20%20FW19-6.html

Fleche Wallonne: A Bit of a Gap

Half way up the final ascent of the Mur de Huy, it was Jakob Fulgsang (Astana) who put in the attack.  Only Julian Alaphilippe (Decenuinck-Quick Step) had the legs to chase the Dane inside of the last 500 meters of the race.  Clearly one of these two were going to be the male victor today.  Earlier, it was Anna Van der Breggen taking the win in the women's Fleche Wallone.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/3322911-441-195767/A%20Bit%20of%20a%20Gap%20%20FW19-5.html

Fleche Wallonne: Leaving Them All!

With his final kick, Julian Alaphilippe (Quickstep) was able to leave everyone behind.  He didn't have time to offer a victory salute as he crossed the line, but I am sure the win was far more important than the celebration for the camera.  Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) just didn't have the legs to close the gap to the Frenchman, but he did claimed the second step of the podium.  Thus he traded places with Alaphilippe from 2017.  Rounding out the podium was the Jelle Vanendert (Lotto Soudal) who had been the first to start the sprint (if you can call it that on the Mur de Huy) to the line.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3148377-420-195767/PaintingLeaving-Them-All!--FW18-7.html

Fleche Wallonne: Within Meters

Poor Maximilian Schachmann (Quickstep) was caught within meters of the summit of the Mur de Huy.  He could take some comfort in the fact that one of those he could see passing him was his teammate, Julian Alaphilippe.  Leading the charge was Jelle Vanendert (Lotto Soudal).  Surprisingly, there is no sign of the defending champion Alejandro Valverde (Movistar).  Could this be the year that he looses his steel grip on the race and this fabled climb?

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3148328-419-195767/PaintingWithin-Meters--FW18-6.html

Fleche Wallonne: A Bit of a Move

The course of Fleche Wallonne has the peloton climbing the fabled Mur de Huy three times.  On the first trip up the climb, it was Rob Power (Mitchelton-Scott) launched a bit of an attack.  His move was covered by former World Champion, Michal Kwiatkowski (Sky) and Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo).  There was still a group of eight guys further up the road, but they were less then two minutes ahead now.  The crowds on the climb had already been able to watch the women's pro peloton climb this hill twice, now it was the turn of the men's teams.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3148289-415-195767/PaintingA-Bit-of-a-Move-FW18-2.html

Fleche Wallone: HIs Fourth in a Row

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) has owned the final climb up the Mur de Huy, and today was no exception.  Once the attack was made by FDJ, Valverde went on the offensive.  Try as they might, no one was able to catch the Spaniard's wheel.  With his arms raised in a victory salute (that include a pantomine of shooting an arrow), Valverde claimed his fourth straight victory in Huy and his fifth for his career.  Closing, but not fast enough, was Dan Martin (Quickstep) who took second on the day.  Rounding out the peloton was Dylan Teuns (BMC).

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.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I will be crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  Please feel free to become a follower of this blog to be informed of the project and your chance to participate in helping to make it happen.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/2952641-404-195767/PaintingHis-Fourth-in-a-Row-FW17-8.html

Fleche Wallone: It Is Possible

Bob Jungel (Quickstep) was able to rid himself of his companion, Alessandro De Marchi (BMC) as he scaled the wall that is the Mur de Huy for the final time.  Jungel went under the flame rouge maring the final kilometer of the race with about twenty seconds on the closing peloton.  The minute per ten kilometer rule implied that he had enough to win.  Should he be able to hold off those behind, he would be the first from Luxembourg to win Fleche Wallone.  However, the steepest section of the climb was yet to come.  But a win is still possible.

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.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I will be crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  Please feel free to become a follower of this blog to be informed of the project and your chance to participate in helping to make it happen.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/2952638-403-195767/PaintingIt-Is-Possible-FW17-7.html