Tour '22, Stage 20: Farewell Tour

This Tour de France has definitely been a changing of the guard.  This is another reason why, Philippe Gilbert (Lotto Soudal) is rolling down a start ramp for the last time in the Tour de France.  He has announced that he will retire at the end of this season.  He turned 40 in the middle of this Tour de France, and that is a pretty common age to step off the bike.  He is a former Belgium champion, and World Champion.  I suggest looking at his wikipedia page to see just how great his career has been.  He didn't exactly burn up the course today finishing in 115th place.  Still that is considerably faster than I have ever been able to ride.  He rode an average of just over 44 kph!

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, and yes, international shipping is available. 

If you can't afford to purchase a piece you could always help keep me going by buying me a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/greigsartc.  And check out my vlogs at my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGX-TnjXDSkkOidUE6pN1g 

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3895454-128-294403/Painting/farewell-tour-tdf22-129.html

Tour '22, Stage 10: The Back of the Front

Once the 22 man break was established it quickly built a nine minute lead over the Maillot Jaune led peloton.  As the break headed up the final climb to the Montee d'Altiport de Megeve, Philippe Gilbert (Lotto Soudal) could be found right a the back of the group.  Ahead of him were Benjamin Thomas (Cofidis), Jasper Stuyven (Intermache-Wanty Gobert) and Pierre Rolland (B&B Hotels-KTM).  Unfortunately, once the attacks started at the front Gilbert and Rolland were quickly dropped.  I was hoping for more from both of these two.  Rolland is on my fantasy team and I, like he, are languishing in the middle of the general classication).

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, and yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3893276-56-294403/Painting/the-back-of-the-front-tdf22-56.html

Liege Bastogne Liege '22: Leaving Everyone

Bruno Armirail (Groupama-FDJ) had been dangling off the back of the break for a while, but as they all started up the Cote de la Redoute, he simply rode them all off his wheel.  With roughly another thirty kilometers to go it may be a tall order to stay away from the peloton, but it is his best chance to win today.  All along the roads were tributes to Philippe Gilbert who is riding this race for the last time in his career.  As a Belgium rider, all of Flanders were out to say thank you to the former National and World Champion who grew up at the base of the next climb on this course.

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 $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3881097-504-195767/Painting/leaving-everyone-lbl22-4.html

Paris Nice 2022: Slipping Away

With little hope of outsprinting some of those in the front group Stefan Bissegger (EF Education-EasyPost) went off the front of the peloton with roughly 15 kilometers to race.  The Swiss rider was joined by his countryman, Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) and Philippe Gilbert (Lotto Soudal).  You can't see, but trust me he is there, Christophe Laporte (Jumbo Visma) bridge across to defend his Yellow Jersey and the position on the GC of his teammates.  He need not have worried, too many in the peloton fancied their chances in a sprint finale, so these escapes were put back into the peloton in quick order.  It is impressive that Gilbert had the legs to go again having been off the front of the peloton for 100 kilometers and then in the front group for another 45.

 

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 $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3870707-45-272742/Painting/slipping-away-pn22-8.html

Paris Nice 2022: A Change of Direction

Mathew Holmes (Lotto Soudal) had been rewarded for his early break away yesterday with the Polka Dot Jersey of the King of the Mountains.  Not one to think one day is enough, he went out early today with his teammate Philippe Gilbert to suck up the available points in the early (and only) climbs of the day.  Joining the Lotto Soudal was a member of yesterday's late break away, Alexis Gougeard (B&B Hotels-KTM).  Riding in defense of his teammate, Gilbert made sure to take second over the two climbs while Holmes got over first.  That kept Gougeard from over taking the Brit in KOM points.  However the Frenchman's efforts will keep him in second place in the climbing competition.

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 $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3870609-43-272742/Painting/a-change-of-direction-pn22-6.html

Paris Roubaix: A Long Time Coming

Philippe Gilbert (Decenunick-Quick Step) is one of the senior statesmen of the peloton, and one of the more victorious.  He has a stated goal of winning all of the Monuments before he retires.  Until today, the Hell of the North had eluded him.  So it was with great joy that he spread his arms in victory on the legendary velodrome of Roubaix.  Nils Politt (Katusha-Alpecin) had to content himself with a hard fought second place.  The trio finished at least thirty seconds ahead of  Gilbert's teammate, Yves Lampaert.  Gilbert's bold attack with 15 kilometers to race was the moment of victory since it was only Politt who could match the acceleration of the former World Champion.  Chapeau, Gilbert!

I plan to paint on or two more of the Spring Classics ahead of the Tour of California and the Tour de 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.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3319286-439-195767/PaintingA-Long-Time-Coming--PR19-10.html

Paris Roubaix: Fighting It Out on the Cobbles

On the final five star pave section it was Philippe Gilbert (Decenunick-Quick Step) and Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) rubbing shoulders while trying to establish themselves on the front of the race.  While it looked like a head-butting sprint, it was just two guys on the rivot bouncing their way to Roubaix.  Behind, it was Nils Politt (Katusha-Alpecin) with Yves Lampaert (Decenunick-Quick Step) slipping backward.  The crowds were huge, yet managed to not impose themselves into the race.  Those racing had enough to deal with, without drunken and/or oblivious fans further endangering the competitors.

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-Classics-/3319282-437-195767/PaintingFighting-It-Out-on-the-Cobbles--PR19-8.html

Paris Roubaix: One of These Six

As the leaders entered Pave Section 9, it was beginning to look like these six would be the ones who would vie for the win on the velodrome of Roubaix.  It was Philippe Gilbert (Decenunick-Quick Step) who lead Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe), Nils Politt (Katusha-Alpecin), with his teammate Yves Lampaert, Sep Vanmarcke (EF-Education First) and Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma).  Behind the peloton was trying to chase, but did not seem able to close the one minute gap.

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-Classics-/3319278-436-195767/PaintingOne-of-These-Six--PR19-7.html

Paris Roubaix: Taking Their Turn

For those of you who read this blog regularly, you will know that I love a good pun.  This title examplifies that perfectly.  After catching Wesley Kreder (Wanty-Gobert), this trio of Philippe Gilbert (Decenunick-Quick Step), Nils Politt (Katusha-Alpecin) and Rudiger Selig (Bora-Hansgrohe) decided it was their turn to go on the attack.  With Gilbert in the group (a former World Champion) the peloton was going to pay attention to this move.  Selig was there to monitor the move for his team leader (and defending champion of Paris Roubaix), Peter Sagan.

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-Classics-/3319187-435-195767/PaintingTaking-Their-Turn--PR19-6.html

Tour, Stage 16: Patched Up

I felt it was necessary to include this painting.  After being check out on the side of the road, Philippe Gilbert (Quick Step) got back on the bike and back into the race.  Once he was riding again, he dropped back to the ambulance to get his wounds cleaned out.  Infection is a constant worry, and stomach aliments have sent a few riders home from this Tour. As far as I know now, Gilbert suffered little more than some cuts and bruises.  I will leave it to other cycling websites to tell that story.  Like Gilbert I want to get back to the race.

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-2018/3193202-85-251072/PaintingPatched-Up--T18-84.html

Tour, Stage 16: Over the Wall

Normally, I avoid painting the wrecks of the Tour.  It isn't what excites me about watching the race.  In fact I called out as I was watching this very scary crash play out.  Philippe Gilbert (Quick Step) was flying down the back side of the Col de Portet d'Aspet when he locked up his rear wheel in a sharp left turn.  He tried valiantly to regain control put the stone wall was just too near.  As he hit the wall, he came off the bike, used his hands to avoid hitting the wall with his head, and then dropped out of sight.  Amazingly, he wasn't seriously hurt.  As he got ready to remount, he gave a wink and a thumbs up to the camera. (That is part of the reason I painted this, it ended up alright)

Ironically, he went over the wall almost exactly where Fabio Casterelli crashed in 1995.  Sadly, on that occasion, Casterelli did not survive.  This was before helmets were mandatory in the peloton, but was one of the prinicple reasons that they are now.

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-2018/3193183-84-251072/PaintingOver-the-Wall-T18-83.html

Tour, Stage 5: The Second Time

It was Peter Sagan (Bora Hansgrohe) that crossed the top of the climb first in Quimper!  That makes it two stage wins, and two second places thus far for the Slovakian sprinter who is so much more than merely a sprinter.  He was just able to hold off the only other sprinter, Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain Merida), who was left at the front end of the race.  The pair also caught the wheel of the first to attack the climb, Philippe Gilbert (Quickstep).  You can just make out the blue kit of his teammate, Julian Alaphilippe behind the Maillot Vert of Peter Sagan.  Sagan's win puts him 33 points ahead of second place in the green jersey competition.  Given the finale for Stage 6, he nor any of the other sprinters will be contesting for stage honors on the Mur de Bretagne.

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-2018/3186324-25-251072/PaintingThe-Second-Time--T18-25.html

Tour, Stage 5: Up to the Line

For the first lumpy stage of the Tour, the organizers decided it would be fun to finish the day with a short steep climb.  I doubt the riders were too thrilled, but it did make for some exciting racing.  It could also afford some time gaps to open up amongst the main contenders for the Maillot Jaune.  The ever agressive Team Quick Step launched Philippe Gilbert up the road.  Should he get enough space and the win, he could take over the race lead, assuming Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) wasn't second over the line.  That is why you can see the Maillot Jaune chasing just behind Julien Simon (Cofidis).  Sensing that this was a good stage for themselves, both Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain Merida) and Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) were giving chase as well.  Sagan has the added insentive knowing that Gaviria has been dropped, thus allowing Sagan to move further ahead in the race for the Maillot Vert.

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-2018/3186312-24-251072/PaintingUp-to-the-Line--T18-24.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: Do We Keep Going?

First it was Mike Teunissen (Sunweb) who launched a counter attack to catch the ever dwindling break away up the road.  His move was quickly covered by Philippe Gilbert (Quickstep).  Quickstep was playing a numbers game covering all of the moves and boasting two former winners of Paris Roubaix at the start of the day.  The famed Tom Boonen, who has won this race four times, is a former member of the team as well.  They know how to get this done.  One snag with today, however, they have let Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) slip up the road to join the remanents of the early break.

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-/3141697-409-195767/PaintingDo-We-Keep-Going?--PR18-5.html

Ronde van Vlaanderen: You've Got This!

With just eight kilometers left to race, Philippe Gilbert (Quickstep) was being encouraged by his director sportif, Wilfried Peeters.  It was beginning to look like the Belgium National Champion was going to succeed in his very long, hard gamble.  The crash of his main rivals, Naesen, Van Avermaet, and Sagan, had disrupted the chase and given the former World Champion a better chance of taking the victory at the line.  Gilbert had been asking all of the motos for some since of what the time gap to the chasers was, we can assume that was another thing that Peeters had to say to his man.

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.

Ronde van Vlaanderen: For the Home Crowd

Philippe Gilbert (Quickstep) had the pleasure of leading the race through Belgium bedecked in the Belgium National Road Championships Jersey.  Gilbert had gone out on his own from quite a few kilometers out from the finish.  With at least 40 kilometers left to race, it was a big ask for Gilbert to hold off the cream of Classics riders chasing behind.  It should come as no surprise that the crowds lining nearly every inch of roadway, were beyond delighted to see their champion leading the race, at least thus far.

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.

E3 Harlebeke: The Dash to the Line

As the three off the front came to the line, it was Oliver Naeson (Ag2r La Mondiale) who attacked first.  He had been dropped earlier by his companions, and I am sure he wasn't confident of being able to hold his own against Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) and Philippe Gilbert (Quickstep).  And as he expected both went around him with just meters left to the line.  It was a true sign of his respect for the others that he sat up and applauded along with the thousands of fans as Greg Van Avermaet won the day,   As Van Avermaet crossed the line, it was Gilbert who reached out and shook the hand of the Olympic Road Race Champion.  As the announcer said, "the riders know to leave the racing to the race" and they all have true respect and admiration for each other.  So it was Van Avermaet taking first, followed by Gilbert and then Naeson finishing out the podium.  Chapeau to all!

My next race I plan to paint will be the revered Paris Roubaix.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2939899-386-195767/PaintingThe%20Dash%20for%20the%20Line%20E317-7.html

E3 Harelbeke: Kop van de Wedstrijd

Kop van de Wedstrijd as best I can understand means the head of the race, at least that is what kept flashing on the screen as they showed the leading group on the road.  This threesome of Greg Van Avermaet (BMC), Philippe Gilbert (Quickstep) and Oliver Naesen (Ag2r La Mondiale) had over a minute on the remnants of the peloton.  As they road up the penultimate climb, the Oude Kwatrmony, they must be beginning to think that the win would be between themselves.  All three riders are from Belgium, and Gilbert is the reigning Belgium National Champion, so it looks like the drought of Belgium winners will be coming to an end today.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2939896-385-195767/PaintingKop%20van%20de%20Wedstrijd%20E317-6.html

Paris Nice Stage 2 Riding Away

With the peloton closing to within 45 seconds Philippe Gilbert (Quickstep) simply road everyone off of his wheel  Admittedly he did jump from the back of his now former breakaway companions  Maartens Wynants (LottoNL Jumbo) tried valiantly to hold the fleeing Belgium's wheel but Gilbert was just too strong  Later it was Wynants who somehow found the legs to help pull Gilbert back into the fold meter by meter  Sorry I should have given you a spoiler alert

I apologize for the lack of punctuation but the gremlins are still denying me periods commas semi-colons and question marks  Perhaps I will devise a work around before the race reaches the Mediterranean Sea

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2930029-343-195767/PaintingRiding%20Away%20PN17-8.html#.WL4obPkrLIU