Doha 2016, Men's TTT: Hugging the Barrier

Orica-BikeExchange came to Doha with a strong team for the Team Time Trial, some of those who took to the road for the Australian team were Luke Durbridge (Australia), Svein Tuft (Canada), Daryl Impey (South Africa) amongst others.  The boys in there blue and bright green kit were able to claim the final step of the podium, after having lead the race when they crossed the line.  Their third place represented a step higher (and on to the podium) from their performance in Richmond, Virginia last year.

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/2863230-6-227958/PaintingHugging%20the%20Barrier%20Doha6-Greig-Leach.html#.V_qdgPArLIU

Il Lombardia Catching Then at the Line

Diego Rosa (Astana) had launched yet another attack with just a couple hundred meters to race, it looked like he had both Columbians beat.  But alas, it was Johan Esteban Chaves (Orica-BikeExchange) who was able to launch his sprint from the back of the threesome and just nip Rosa at the line.  Chaves' victory was the first for any Columbian in the Il Lombardia.  Rosa held on for second, which given all of the work he had done earlier was rather impressive.  The race commentators were sure it would be Rigoberto Uran (Cannondale-Drapac) who would out sprint the other two, but he seemed not to have the legs and took third on the day.

This is the final race I will paint before the UCI Road World Championships in Doha, Qatar.  I may follow that up with Paris Tours, but that will be it until 2017.

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%20Cycling%20Art/2860585-32-206768/PaintingCatching%20Them%20at%20the%20Line%20IL8-Greig-Leach.html#.V_HIyPArLIU

Il Lombardia: Tactical

The foursome, now a trio, had enough of a lead to start to play out some race tactics.  Diego Rosa (Astana) had tried to attack Rigoberto Uran (Cannondale-Drapac) and Johan Esteban Chaves (Orica-BikeExchange), but the two put him back into the fold on both occasions.  Rosa seemed to chat with Uran, perhaps trying to figure out how they could get rid of Uran's countryman, Chaves.  Chaves however was continuing his smart race, keeping his nose out of the wind and waiting for the right moment to attack.

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%20Cycling%20Art/2860496-31-206768/PaintingTactical%20IL7-Greig-Leach.html#.V_HDNPArLIU

Il Lombardia: One of These Four

Diego Rosa (Astana) had been given free rein by his leader Fabio Aru.  Aru seemed not to have the legs for this long race at the end of the season and felt sure that his teammate could take the win for the team.  Rosa had managed to bridge across to the other three; Johan Esteban Chaves (Orica-BikeExchange), Romain Bardet (Ag2r), and Rigoberto Uran (Cannondale-Drapac).  With around a minute over those behind and just 29 kilometers to race, it was beginning to look like the winner of the race would come from the quartet.  Uran and Rosa had done quite a bit of effort to be out front, but both Bardet and Chaves had managed to keep their noses out of the wind.

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%20Cycling%20Art/2860446-28-206768/PaintingOne%20of%20These%20Four%20IL4-Greig-Leach.html#.V_G3RvArLIU

Tour of Britain, Final Stage: Taking the Final One

Lotto Soudal played an unusual tactic in the final kilometer of the Tour of Britain.  It appeared the Jens Debusschere was the final lead out for their sprinter, Andre Greipel.  Instead, as they pair went under the flame rouge, Greipel let the wheel of his teammate go and slowed the progress of the other sprinters who had lined up on the German sprinter's wheel.  It was Boy Van Poppel (Trek-Segafredo) who first saw the ploy and went chasing the fleeing Debusschere.  He was followed by the Dutch National Champion, Dylan Groenewegen (LottoNL Jumbo), but the pair were left in the dust of the fast man, Caleb Ewan (Orica-BikeExchange).  So in the end it was Ewan for the victory on the final stage in London, with Groenwegen taking second and Debusschere just holding on for third.  Steve Cummings' Yellow Jersey stayed on his shoulders, as all of the other jersey stayed on the shoulders of those who started the day wearing them.

This is most likely the last race I will paint until the UCI World Road Racing Championships in Doha, Qatar.  There had been a chance that I would be there painting the races live onsite, but that doesn't seem to have worked out.  So it goes.

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/Tour%20of%20Britain/2850518-88-189075/PaintingTaking%20the%20Final%20One%20ToB62-Greig-Leach.html#.V9ZQzpgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 7b: Cav Leads Them Round

Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data) seemed to announce that he would not be going for the stage victory today.  He went to the front of the peloton and with the help of  Ian Stannard (Sky) and Robert Power (Orica-BikeExchange) set about the task of bringing the escapees back.  Dimension Data has the Yellow Jersey in the fold, on the back of Steve Cummings, so letting those in front gain time wasn't really in the cards.  More of a threat were those in on the team leader's wheel, Rohan Dennis (BMC) sitting just inside of a minute behind.  Dennis is equal on time after this morning's time trial with Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin).  So it could be that Cavendish was just making the race hard for everyone rather than actually trying to chase down Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) and company.

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/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849913-78-189075/PaintingCav%20Leads%20Them%20Round%20ToB52-Greig-Leach.html#.V9SbN5grLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 1: Releasing Himself

Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) has had a lot of experience in waiting for the right moment to launch his sprint.  His team had worked hard to place him on the front of the peloton.  It was his teammate, Jens Debusschere, who was the last wheel that the German National Champion followed.  The Gorilla jumped from his lead out man's wheel with just a couple of hundred meters left to the line.  Behind him the diminutive Caleb Ewan (Orica BikeExchange) tried to get around Greipel, but he just didn't have the legs.  His second place was enough to put him third overall, not second due to Jasper Bovenhuis (An Post Chain Reaction) picking up six bonus seconds out on course.  But it is Greipel who will pull on the first leader's jersey of the Tour of Britain.  The question is, where was Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data)?

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2846914-32-189075/PaintingReleasing%20HImself%20ToB6-Greig-Leach.html#.V8z0vZgrLIU

Donostia Classica: Up the Final Climb

Luke Durbridge (Orica-BikeExchange) hit the final climb up the Bordako Tontorra, pulling hard for his man, Adam Yates.  The race organizers have a group of motorcycle riding officials who stop along the way and warn riders of potential dangers along the route.  Sometimes the motorcycles them selves are the danger, but not today.

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.

To buy this painting, just follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2830787-324-195767/PaintingUp%20the%20Final%20Climb%20Dono6-Greig-Leach.html#.V52GybgrLIU

Donostia Classica: Using the Turbo

The peloton took a quick ride through the finishing town of San Sebastian (or Donostia) before heading back out for the final climb in the race.  The young star from the Tour de France, Adam Yates (Orica-BikeExchange) is the defending champion, and his team was eager to have him repeat.  Orica-BikeExchange put the powerhouse, Luke Durbridge, on the front, follow closely by Christopher Juul Jensen.  Waiting in the wings are the domestiques of BMC and Katusha, ready to bring their team leaders to the business end of the race.

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.

To buy this painting, just follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2830784-323-195767/PaintingUsing%20the%20Turbo%20Dono5-Greig-Leach.html#.V52DbLgrLIU

Tour, Final Stage: On to the Champs Elysees

After thousands of kilometers, days of wind and rain, countless climbs, road rash, mental and physical exhaustion, crazed fans, aggressive press crews and millions of pedal strokes, the peloton finally swung on to the fabled Champs Elysees and headed up to the l'Arc du Triomphe.  I know I had goose bumps as the jets flew over head trailing the colors of the French flag, I do not doubt that every one in the race felt the same.  The air force timed it to perfection flying over the peloton just as they crossed what will be the finish line in just eight laps.  As Team Sky lead the race onto the course, it was now time for the days racing to begin.  It was nice to see that Sky and the peloton gave Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) a chance to lead everyone on to the Champs for his last race across these cobbles.  Tucked onto the back of the peloton is the Maillot Blanc of Adam Yates (Orica-BikeExchange).  He may have missed the podium by a few seconds but he does go out with the title of Best Young Rider.  I'm looking forward to watching him over the coming seasons.

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.

Be sure to check out my second cycling art book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships, available online or through your local book seller.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2828449-157-224974/PaintingOn%20to%20the%20Champs%20Elysees-Greig-Leach.html#.V5U7EbgrLIV

Tour, Final Stage: All Smiles for Now

The final stage of the Tour de France is a tale of two races.  The first part of the race is time to celebrate making it all of the way around France, a chance to chat with friends, congratulate the jersey winners and goof about just a bit.  The second is the flat out racing to when on the Champs Elysees, To get that victory for the team, that may not have happened yet, or for a sprinter to get the win that has yet to go his way.  Here, Michael Matthews (Orica-BikeExchange) shakes hands with Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) on the Champs Elysees they will be going as hard as they can to beat one another to the line.

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.

Be sure to check out my second cycling art book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships, available online or through your local book seller.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2828385-154-224974/PaintingAll%20Smiles%20for%20Now%20TdF155-Greig-Leach.html#.V5UtIbgrLIU

Tour, Stage 20, What's the Point?

Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) went in the early break and was the first to arrive at the intermediate sprint.  As the break arrived at the 500 m to go, Michael Matthews (Orica-BikeExchange) jumped out in a full gas sprint.  Matthews looked behind to see if he would beat the Maillot Vert to the line, only to see him chatting with Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal).  Sagan has the Points Competition in hand so there was no real point in sprinting out for maximum points when he could take second place and have almost the same extra points without the extra effort.  Sagan has now set a record points total for the third consecutive time in the Tour de France.  It is possible that Sagan is in the break for another reason.  Either he is riding for his teammate Romain Kreuziger, or he is training for the Rio Olympics.  It is reported that he will be competing in the mountain bike races and leaving his road bike at home.

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.

Be sure to check out my second cycling art book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships, available online or through your local book seller.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2828148-146-224974/PaintingWhat's%20the%20Point?%20TdF146-Greig-Leach.html#.V5QIgrgrLIU

Tour, Stage 18: One Last Thing

Adam Yates (Orica-BikeExchange) has quite a bit riding on his shoulders in the final time trial of this Tour de France.  Of course one of those things on his shoulders is the White Jersey of Best Young Rider.  Yates is starting the time trial sitting third overall, but has a real chance of overtaking the man in second, Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo).  Conversely, they are some very good veterans of the Tour just behind him, that are desperate to move up.  Yates is beginning to have a real chance to finish on the podium in Paris, but he needs to ride well today.  He is getting some last minute words of encouragement from his coach as he prepares to enter the start house in Sallanches.

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.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2826674-130-224974/PaintingOne%20Last%20Thing%20TdF131-Greig-Leach.html#.V5E8_rgrLIU

Tour, Stage 16: Another Photo Finish

It is stunning to thing that after racing 209 kilometers, the winner of the race is a matter of two or three centimeters, maybe less.  While everyone hoped that the day would go to Fabian Cancellara (Trek-Segafredo) who lives in Bern and is racing his final Tour de France, no gifts are giving in professional cycling.  Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) who was still looking for his first stage when in this Tour de France was just beaten by Peter Sagan's (Tinkoff) bike throw to the line.  This is Sagan's third stage victory matching his Tour debute in 2012.  Cancellara managed a sixth place, but you can only see his shoulder in this painting (again I am limited by what the broadcasts provide).  John Degenkolb (Etixx-Quickstep) grabbed fourth proving his return to form after the horrific training accident this spring.  Micheal Matthews (Orica-BikeExchange) held on for fifth although I am sure he would have preferred to repeat his earlier stage victory.  Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data) had hoped to take the stage for his South African team on this, Nelson Mandela Day.  Unfortunately ninth on the stage was the best he could manage.  The cobbled climb at just two kilometers left to go proved too much for many sprinters (and others).  Sagan, however, won his Rainbow Jersey on a pair of cobbled climbs in Richmond, Virginia, both steeper than today's finale.

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.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2825140-117-224974/PaintingAnother%20Photo%20Finish%20TdF118-Greig-Leach.html#.V40n-rgrLIU

Tour, Stage 13: In the Start House

Before each rider set out on their solo effort of 37.5 kilometers, they would roll up into the start gate.  Each rider would be held upright so that they could have their feet on the pedals when the clock started as the main in front would count them down.  The next rider to go would be getting prepared behind them as the clock counted down.  Early in the day, the riders left the start house in two minute intervals, but once they got into the top riders on the general classification, they left in three minute intervals.  Adam Yates (Orica-BikeExchange) wearing the Maillot Blanc of best young rider, was almost ready to roll and the Maillot Jaune of Chris Froome (Team Sky) was preparing to defend his position atop the leader board.  Yesterday, Yates had the provisional Yellow Jersey due in part to the crash involving Froome, Richie Porte (BMC) and Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo), at least until the jury returned it to Froome.  Yates was quoted as saying that he wouldn't have wanted to win the jersey by the misfortune of others.  I am sure he is hoping against hope that he can win it today, but that will be a long shot indeed.

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.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2824237-92-224974/PaintingIn%20the%20Start%20House%20TdF93-Greig-Leach.html#.V4lVQ7grLIU

Tour, Stage 10: It Took Team Work

Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) looks over with an expression of disbelief as Michael Matthews (Orica-BikeExchange) throws his arms wide in celebration.  He shouldn't be surprised, the Australian team brought three men into the seven man break, it is they who should shake their heads if they didn't take the stage.  I have seen it happen before, a that was in Paris Roubaix when three Etixx-Quickstep riders missed out on the victory when racing against one rider from Team Sky.  So it can go wrong, just not today.  Sagan's second place on the stage may well have sewn up his fifth consecutive victory in the race for the Maillot Vert, but then we are only have way through the Tour and you have to finish to win.  The stage was rounded out by Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data) and Greg Van Avermaet (BMC).  Just tailing off the back of the group was Samuel Dumoulin (Ag2r La Mondiale).  While the Frenchman was up amongst it, he leaves the French still looking for their first stage win in their home Tour.  Today's stage victory means the Bling Matthews has now one a stage in all three of the Grand Tours.  Chapeau!

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.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2822884-71-224974/PaintingIt%20Took%20Team%20Work%20TdF71-Greig-Leach.html#.V4WMprgrLIU

Tour, Stage 10: Who Is Going to Launch?

Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) came into the final 500 meters just behind Daryl Impey (Orica-BikeExchange).  It was Impey's teammate, Michael Matthews along with Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data) and Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) who concerned the World Champion.  Sagan's victory in Richmond, Virginia, that gave him his Rainbow jersey was launched by chasing Van Avermaet.  Coming in second on East Broad Street in downtown Richmond was Michael Matthews. So both riders were concerning to the sprinter from Slovakia.

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.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2822869-70-224974/PaintingWho%20Is%20Going%20to%20Launch?%20TdF70-Greig-Leach.html#.V4WFHLgrLIU

Tour, Stage 10: Covering the Rainbow

After a couple of attacks on the final climb of the day up the Cote de Saint Ferreol, all covered by Peter Sagan (Tinkoff), they all decided to cover his moves instead.  Sagan had already garnered enough points to take back the Green Jersey in the points competition, but no one suspected that he didn't want another stage win as well.  Orica-BikeExchange was playing a numbers game.  Luke Durbridge had driven the pace up to the final climb and then left it to Daryl Impey to launch repetitive attacks to weaken the legs of Sagan.  His teammate, Michael Matthews just kept everything in front of him waiting to launch the sprint with the freshest legs in the break.  Having launched an unsuccessful attack himself, Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data) kept an eye on the Orica duo and Sagan.

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.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2822866-69-224974/PaintingCovering%20the%20Rainbow%20TdF69-Greig-Leach.html#.V4WBf7grLIU

Tour, Stage 10: From this Group

As per usual, the large group had too many passengers, so this group jumped away from the others.  Surprisingly, Orica-BikeExchange managed to put all three guys from the large group into this one.  Joining the Orica boys; Luke Durbridge, Daryl Impey and Michael Matthews, were Peter Sagan (Tinkoff), Greg Van Avermaet (BMC), Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data), and Samuel Dumoulin (Ag2r La Mondiale).  Once this group had established it self, it seemed that the peloton simply surrendered.  They had pulled back three minutes from the original seven minute gap, but then they sat up.  Given the power represented here it was clear that this group was where the stage would be won from.  With three men on Orica-BikeExchange it was their stage to lose.

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.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2822854-68-224974/PaintingFrom%20this%20Group%20TdF68-Greig-Leach.html#.V4V-J7grLIU

Tour, Stage 10: The Tail of the Break

None of the 14 other guys in the break contested the intermediate sprint in Aigues Vive.  They thought it best to leave it to Peter Sagan (Tinkoff).  I expected the teammate of the current Maillot Vert, Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data) to try and limited Sagan getting the maximum points, but it seems like it was time for Sagan to take back the jersey.  Which he did.  Holding on to the tail of the group as they ride through the fields of France, were Daryl Impey (Orica-BikeExchange) and the former French National Champion, Sylvain Chavanel (Direct Energie).  The moto riding next to the riders carries the guy who is using a sensor to hunt for anyone using mechanical doping.  If a rider has an engine hidden inside of the bike frame it will give off a heat signature.  It seems crazy that anyone, including a bike manufacturer, would attempt to cheat in such a way, but then everyone is looking for a competitive edge.

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.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2822848-67-224974/PaintingThe%20Tail%20of%20the%20Break%20TdF67-Greig-Leach.html#.V4V6hbgrLIU