Tour Down Under, Stage 5: Looking for the Top

As the break started up the penultimate climb of Willunga Hill (and of the day and the Tour Down Under), it was the leader of the King of the Mountains, Nicholas Dlamini (Dimension Data) that was battling it out for points with Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) and Scott Bowden (UniSA-Australia).  The effort was being watched intently by the race commisare sticking his out through the roof of the following car. 

When I titled this piece I didn't know just how prophetic I was being.  As they approached the banner that had marked the KOM points line in every previous stage, De Gendt motioned for Dlamini to go ahead and claim the points.  After apparently giving Dlamini enough points to secure the jersey, De Gendt pressed on crossing the line at the top of the mountain (that would be the finishing line next time up) first.  It turned out that was where the KOM points were awarded placing Dlamini second over the summit.  It may not effect the final destination of the jersey, but it shouldn't have happened.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.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/3099763-111-194179/PaintingLooking-for-the-Top-TDU18-24.html

Tour Down Under, Stage 3: At It Again

The duo of Scott Bowden (UniSA-Australia) and Nicholas Dlamini (Dimension Data) went off the front of the peloton at the first kilometer for the third day running.  Dlamini was searching for more King of the Mountain points to further secure his Subaru KOM polka dot jersey.  Bowden was proving that the non Pro Tour team has every right to be in the Tour Down Under, and that they can light up the race.  Once Dlamini had claimed maximum points he quickly dropped back into the fold.  With the excessive heat even the South African saw no reason to work any harder than necessary.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.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/3099367-104-194179/PaintingAt-It-Again-TDU18-11.html

Tour Down Under, Stage 1: New Colors, New Season

There are many reasons to love the Tour Down Under, many indeed.  One is a chance to see the new kits (and new team names) for the start of the World Tour season.  One of the newly named teams, and one that almost went belly up, is EF Education First - Drapac, once known as Cannondale - Drapac.  I must say I am happy to see some bright pink back in the peloton.  Showning of the colors is William Clarke, one of a two man early break that included neophyte, Nicholas Dlamini (Dimension Data).  Dlamini claimed the only mountain points on the opening stage, so his break away efforts paid big dividends.  The duo built up a 4 minute advantage, but the peloton was seeing the ride into Lyndoch as a day for the sprinters.

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/3098214-94-194179/PaintingNew-Colors,-New-Season-TDU18-1.html