Tour, Stage 8: Southern Hospitality

Virginian born Ben King (Dimension Data) shows the Dutchman Niki Terpstra (Total Direct Energie) a little southern hospitality, offering him a waterbottle after noticing he had none.  We Virginian's like to be helpful (at least the nice ones do).  The duo was being led by Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) and had just been joined by Alessandro De Marchi (CCC).  This group had a long day ahead of them if the break was to succeed.  They did have an advantage, their position on GC meant the peloton wasn't too interested.  Then combined that with De Gendt's teammate had the Maillot a Pois, so Lotto Soudal wasn't going to chase them down for King of the Mountains points.

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.

Be sure to check out my daily videos on You Tube

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3359443-38-263530/Southern%20Hospitality%20%20TDF19-38.html

Tour, Stage 18: Rolling Along (2)

Ironically, I was congratulating myself this morning on not having duplicated a title for the first 95 paintings of this Tour.  And then I called this one "Rolling Along" and blew that stat.  This is a group of five that the peloton wasn't interested in letting go.  While Niki Terpstra (Quick Step) was pushing hard on the front, the peloton never gave them more than two minutes.  Joining the former Dutch national champion were two riders from Mitchelton-Scott, Matthew Heyman and Luke Durbridge, along with the French sprinter, Thomas Boudet (Direct Energie) and Guillaume Van Keirsbulck (Wanty-Groupe Gobert).  With today and Paris the last chances for the sprinters to get a stage, neither I nor more importantly the peloton were giving any chance of this break succeeding.

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/Tour-de-France-2018/3194584-97-251072/PaintingRolling-Along-2--T18-96.html

Tour, Stage 4: Left to Do the Work

With fifteen kilometers left to race and the early break still of the front, it was Quick Step that was forced to do the work.  All of the other teams know that Quick Step's Fernando Gaviria is on top former and none are willing to help them bring back the four guys up the road.  Tim Declercq (Quick Step) flicks his elbow to let his teammates know that he is finally done pulling and it is time for the rest of the wolf pack to take over the task, including, Niki Terpstra, Yves Lampaert and Bob Jungels.  The later two are wearing their National Champion Jerseys.

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/Tour-de-France-2018/3185691-19-251072/PaintingLeft-to-Do-the-Work-T18-19.html

Tour, Stage 3 TTT: The Wolf Pack

The self proclaimed wolf pack road hard today with hopes of putting Philippe Gilbert into the Maillot Jaune.  As they went through the second time check, the pack had shed a few members.  Julian Alaphilippe slides off the front to slot back in behind Bob Jungels.  Ahead of him were Niki Terpstra, Yves Lampaert, all being lead by Gilbert.  Apparently he was truly hoping for yellow.  Alas, they didn't quite get the ride were hoping for, taking third on the stage.  But it does leave Alaphilippe and Gilbert high up on GC.  It is entertaining to see all of the caravans lining the course holding fans that follow the Tour around France.

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/Tour-de-France-2018/3185360-14-251072/PaintingThe-Wolf-Pack--T18-14.html

Paris Roubaix; Still a Chance

Using the normal formula that helps determine if the break will be caught, defending Paris Roubaix champion Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) should still be able to catch the leadering duo of Peter Sagan and Silvan Dillier.  Greg Van Avermaet is trying to encourage his fellow chasers, Jasper Stuyven (Trek-Segafredo), Niki Terpstra (Quickstep) - he, too, has won in Roubaix before - and Sep Vanmarcke (EF Education First-Drapac) to work together. At this point there are 11 kilometers left before the showers, and the leaders have only a 52 second advantage.  Close, but doable.  Their efforts are being closely watched by the TV moto riding behind.  Obviously, we are seeing this image by the leading TV Moto.

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-/3141710-411-195767/PaintingStill-a-Chance--PR18-8.html

Paris Tours: Closing It Out

When I came up this title, I thought it was refering to both Matteo Trentin's (Quickstep) when at the end of the race and that he was closing out his career with the team with a victory.  But as is started to write this I realized it could also refer to the end of the 2017 road cycling season.  And now I also realize that this post will also close out my blogging on this year's art of cycling.  Soren Kragh Andersen (Sunweb) did well to take second place on the day, he just didn't have the legs to catch Trentin who had launched his sprint from the back of the threesome.  It was Niki Terpstra (Quickstep) who finshed third ahead of the Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) lead peloton.

Enjoy the off season of road cycling.  I plan to ride, work on other art projects and get ready for 2018.  Thanks for reading and a special thank you to all of you who have purchase my artwork over this season!

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/Other-Cycling-Art/3047812-42-206768/PaintingClosing-It-Out-PT-5.html

Paris Tours: Two Against One

With just three kilometers left to go, it was beginning to look like it would be these three competing for the victory in Tours.  Soren Kragh Andersen (Sunweb) was in the uninviable position of racing against a pair of teammates.  Matteo Trentin (Quickstep) was leading the trio with his teammate Niki Terpstra waiting to contribute to the effort.  Andersen could take heart that Quickstep riders have blown a three on one break in Paris Roubaix last year, but it was going to be a difficult task to chase the attacks and safe enough for his own sprint to the line.

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/Other-Cycling-Art/3047808-41-206768/PaintingTwo-Against-One-PT-4.html

Vuelta, Final Stage: Sprinting for Green

It was a bit strange to see the Red Jersey of Chris Froome (Sky) along with his teammate, Ian Stannard mixing it up for an intermediate sprint on the final stage.  The way the math works, Matteo Trentin (Quickstep) had to win both the intermediate sprint - he did - and the stage - he did and Froome had to not place better than thirteenth at the finish for Trentin to win Green.  Trentin did his part with the help of his teammates, Niki Terpstra, Bob Jungels and Tim Declercq.  However, Froome was able to sprint to a tenth place across the finish line claiming Green, Red and White for himself.  He must have looked like the Italian flag when he tried to wear all three of his trophies from the Vuelta together.

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/Vuelta-2017/3031954-55-239162/PaintingSprinting-for-Green-V-56.html

Ronde van Vlaanderen: Still Chasing at 5K

I can only assume that Dylan Van Baarle (Cannondale-Drapac) and Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) were surprised that Philippe Gilbert was able to hold them off with five kilometers left to race.  The third member of this group, Niki Terpstra (Quickstep) had the job of monitoring the others and to not assist in the chase.  With his teammate up the road, he wasn't going to help the others to catch him.  And in the unlikely event that Gilbert gets caught, Terpstra would have the freshest legs and could then take the win for the team.

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.

It seems that the gremlins have reappeared in my interface with technology.  I am unable to upload the artwork to my website so if you are interested in purchase this piece please email me at greigsart@gmail.com.

Doha 2016, Elite Men's Road Race: Not Much Left

All of those who got to the finish line (and even those who were pulled before hand) were completely drained by the toughness of the race, the weather, and the length of the race.  With just five kilometers to race, it seemed no one was able to launch an attack.  Many of those still in this group were not going to be able to out sprint the champions of the sport including three former World Champions, Tom Boonen (Belgium), Mark Cavendish (Great Britain) and Peter Sagan (Slovakia).  Yet, no one had yet to jump out of the long line of sweating riders being lead by Truls Korsaeth (Norway), Edvald Boasson Hagen (Norway), Giacomo Nizzolo, Jacopo Guarnieri (Italy) and the only two Dutchmen to make this group, Niki Terpstra and Tom Leezer.

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/Doha%202016%20UCI%20Road%20World%20Championships/2866446-64-227958/PaintingNot%20Much%20Left%20Doha64-Greig-Leach.html#.WAURKuArLIU

Dauphine, Stage 3: Not Fast Enough

Dimtri Claeys (Wanty-Groupe Gobert) wasn't happy with the effort nor the speed that his fellow break away riders were putting in.  He swung over to the right side of the road, looking hard into the eyes of his compatriots, trying to ascertain whether it was lack of desire or lack of energy that held them back.  Leading the rest of the group was the Frenchman, Cyril Gautier (Ag2r) followed by Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) and the champion of the Netherlands, Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quickstep).  At this point the peloton had closed to within a minute and a half of this foursome.

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/2804797-52-185083/Painting.html#.V1hgTZErLIU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: Next on the Road

The next group on the road was being lead by a three time former winner of this race, Fabian Cancellara (Trek-Segafredo).  Tucked onto his wheel was the Dutch Champion, Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quickstep) and two riders who had been in the early break, Imanol Erviti (Movistar) and Dimitri Claeys (Wanty-Groupe Gobert).  Cancellara was hoping to become the first to win the Ronde van Vlaanderen for a fourth time.  He has announced that this will be his final season of racing, so it is now or never, if he hopes to set a new benchmark in Flanders.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2760181-305-195767/Painting.html#.VwGdC_krLIU

E3 Harelbeke: He Chased Them Down

It was truly exciting to watch Fabian Cancellara (Trek-Segafredo) turn what should have been a day over mechanical issue into a show of talent, experience and strength.  Cancellara had lost over three minutes waiting for his team car, and yet was able to use his team and his frustration to chase down the Etixx-Quickstep dominated second group on the road.  Using the climb up the Paterberg to close the final seconds to the group that contained, Lars Boon (Astana), World Champion, Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) and Dutch Champion Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quickstep).  Once they had all made the climb, they took the opportunity to grab a drink or a bite to eat before setting off again after the break away that was still up the road.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting is 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.

Plus you can see my most recent book at www.artofcycling.bike.  It contains my writings and paintings of the 2015 Road World Championships in Richmond, VA.  It is available through out the world from many different online booksellers or ask your favorite bookstore to order it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2752665-300-195767/Painting.html#.VveBS_krLIU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: Winning Big

Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) claimed his ninth victory for the 2015 season, it was also the ninth victory for Katusha.  Poor Niki Terpstra (Etixx Quickstep) didn't have the legs to get away from the Norwegian and knew full well he would have very little chance of out sprinting the fast man from Katusha.  Terpstra had ridden very smart forcing his rival to stay on the front for the final two kilometers, but even that didn't weaken the on-form Kristoff.  The pair were also smart enough not to play to much cat and mouse strategies knowing full well that Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) and Peter Sagan (Tinkoff Saxo) were riding as hard as they could less than half of a minute behind.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to purchase this piece of original art for only $50 USD.  And yes, international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying discovering bike racing through my writings and paintings be sure to search out my recently published, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France"   Just google the title to find it through your local online bookseller.  It is available world wide so you should be able to avoid international shipping.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2538080---195767/Painting.html#.VSMlv_nF-xU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: A Dangerous Move

As promised, it was the Paterberg where everyone made attempted to make their move, at least those who were still in contention.  After Greipel had been pulled back into the fold, it was yet another sprinter to spring a surprise.  First it was Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quickstep), the winner of last year's Paris Roubaix, who got a jump on the dwindling peloton.  However, it was the sprinter from Katusha, Alexander Kristoff, who covered the Etixx-Quickstep rider's move.  The pair quickly distanced the others, looking to be the move of the day.  They certainly have the power and the pedigree to hold off any of the chasers behind.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to purchase this piece of original art for only $50 USD.  And yes, international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying discovering bike racing through my writings and paintings be sure to search out my recently published, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France"   Just google the title to find it through your local online bookseller.  It is available world wide so you should be able to avoid international shipping.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2538072---195767/Painting.html#.VSMaCPnF-xU

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: Strength in Numbers

Etixx-Quickstep managed to get the perfect numbers in the final break away of the day.  Somehow they got three of their men, Niki Terpstra, Stijn Vandenbergh and Tom Boonen and had only one other rider with them, Ian Stannard (Team Sky).  Both Boonen and Terpstra are very experienced racers of the Classics, however, Stannard is the defending champion of this race.  Etixx-Quickstep had the added luxury of having yet another rider in the three man chasing group.  Stannard did have a slight advantage, with etiquette and expectation allowing him to sit in on the back of the group foregoing any pulls with his nose in the wind.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is 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.

If you are enjoying reading about cycling this way and the accompanying artwork, be sure to check out my recently published book, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France"
http://www.greigleach.com/gallery/201710/Book+de+Tour/#.VPOW8vnF-xU

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2519190---195767/Painting.html#.VPOmo_nF-xU

Tour Stage 15: Flurries of Attacks

The peloton had managed to stay together until the reached the edges of Nimes with the rather unusual exception that the two man break was still off of the front and seemingly not very willing to be caught.  As they swung around the traffic furniture, opportunistic riders kept trying their luck at getting away.  Niki Terpstra (OPQS) drove hard to catch up with Daniele Bennati (Tinkoff Saxo) as Peter Sagan (Cannondale) drove on the peloton in hopes of riding them all off of his wheel.  Sagan is still searching for his first stage win in this Tour although he has proven his ownership of the most consistent sprinter's Green Jersey having finished in the top five in all but the mountain top finish thus far.  Bennati had the misfortune of puncturing and had to pull off from his chance of a win.  With Bennati unable to continue Terpstra's chance were rather reduced.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  The painting will appear along with all of my 101st Tour de France paintings into my soon to be self published cycling art book, "Book de Tour."  To learn more about the book project, to pre order your own copy, or to discover how you can become involved in bringing the 2014 Tour de France to print, please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour.  There are some fabulous incentives for those who choose to back this projects, rewards start at just $5 USD, and you can get an artist signed copy for only $25 USD, any amount contributed will get your name printed on the Special Thanks page of the book, even for just a $1 pledge.  If you would like to purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post, but you know you want a copy of this visual treasure of the Tour too.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202014/2405590---199992/Painting.html#.U8yHy8vD_IU

Tour Stage 8: Pulling Away

These five men formed the perfect break away, low enough on the General Classification to not be a threat to the Yellow Jersey and strong enough to build the biggest gap thus far in the 101st Tour de France.  The group consisting of Simon Yates (Orica GreenEdge), Adrien Petit (Cofidis), Niki Terpstra (OPQS), Blel Kadri (AG2R) and Sylvain Chavanel (IAM Cycling) built up a lead of eleven minutes before the Astana lead peloton decided to start pulling them back in.  Stage 8 feature some of the first serious climbs of this edition of the Tour with three categorized climbs coming bunched together within the last 20 kilometers of the stage.  The final climb was a little easier than the preceding two, but the summit was the finishing line of the stage.  The final climbs left the peloton thinking that the break would naturally be back in the fold once the real climbers came out to play.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com and will be included in my soon to be self published cycling art tome, "Book de Tour".  To learn more about the book project, to pre order your copy, and to discover how you can become part of bringing the 101st Tour de France to print please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour.  If you would like to purchase this painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202014/2401734---199992/Painting.html#.U8Iqps_D_IU

Paris Roubaix: Punching the Air

Omega Pharma Quickstep had the perfect set up for the day with three teammates in the final break of the day.  First it was Tom Boonen going on the attack and softening up the other teams.  He even succeeded in isolating last year's winner, Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing).  Once the vastly reduced peloton joined all of the attackers, OPQS was able to send another guy off on his own.  However this one stuck for Niki Terpstra as he left the group with around 3 kilometers left to ride.  He got such a gap that he was able to ride into the velodrome that marks the final 750 meters of the race on his own.  And so much time that he spent the finishing straight celebrating his victory that had eluded him on previous attempts.  The podium was completed in a bunch sprint with John Dekenkolb (Giant Shimano) claiming second just out sprinting Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing) who had to settle for third.  Oddly, Peter Sagan, could only manage a sixth place (5th amongst the sprinting group).  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com or you could just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2345311---195767/Painting.html#.U0r3Is_D_IU

Tour of Flanders: Taking Stock

The Tour of Flanders is another of the big hard cobbled races that make up the Spring Classics calendar where the big men of Belguim, the Dutch and the Norwegians come out to play, although this painting includes the Swiss Spartacus (Fabian Cancellara - Trek Factory Racing) and the Slovak sprinter, Peter Sagan (Team Cannondale).  After the early breakaway was caught by the peloton, the favorites for the day's race went on the attack on the first short steep climb of the Patenberg, as they began to play their cards for the victory.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com  Also, this painting and all of my cycling works, are available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this particular piece you can follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2342017-78-72-195767/Painting/Sports.html#.U0IMUM_D_IU