Giro Stage 9: Dancing Up the Hill

Tinkoff Saxo seems to be telling the rest of the peloton that they are simply the strongest team in the Giro.  They spend most of each stage on the front of the peloton pushing the pace everytime the road tilts skyward.  As they approach the summit of the final categorized of the day, Roman Kreuziger leads Alberto Contador up the Passo Serra.  Tuck onto the wheel  are several riders from both Team Sky and Astana, including Richie Porte (Sky), Mikel Landa and Fabio Aru (Astana).  Each one watching the other making sure that no one launches the surprise attack.  The foursome is only separated by around a minute on the general classification.

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, www.richesonart.com.  This painting is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  International shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2555474---184157/Painting.html#.VVkE6CFViko

Giro Stage 9: Chasing Group

While watching the television coverage, the second group on the road (assuming it isn't the peloton) is always referred to as the "chasing group".  Although, I am not so sure this group is doing any serious chasing at this point.  Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) is policing the break away making sure none of the group mounts a concerted chase after his teammate, Tom Jelte Slagter, who is on the ride of his life a minute and a half up the road.  Some of the others in the break include two men who road in the break yesterday, Carlos Betancur (AG2R) and Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo).  That pair was joined in the futile effort by Amael Moinard (BMC) and Simon Geschke (Giant Alpecin).  I am struck by how frequently I see Hesjedal adjusting his jersey.  Is he just too tall to get a good fit?  He seems to always be pulling the waist band back down.

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, www.richesonart.com.  This painting is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  International shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2555458---184157/Painting.html#.VVj1sCFViko