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

TDF, Stage 11: Chasing Up the Beast

Once the lead group broke free from the tree line on Mont Ventoux these two found themselves having to chase back up to the leaders.  Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo) and Pierre Rolland (B&B Hotels) could see the weather station that marks the summit of the climb.  With that insight that could judge just how much longer they would need to suffer in hopes of getting back on terms.  I don't know if that is an asset or a deficit, however.  I haven't ridden this mountain, but it is on my bucket list.  Not that I am a good climber, but some things just beg to be done.  It was inspiring to see just how many of the fans along the road were in their cycling clothes with their bikes nearby.  It will be a wild mass ride back down the mountain after the race passes by the second time.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above.  Since ti is an original work of art, it is a first come first seved reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburth watercolors 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/2021-Tour-de-France/3822549-66-291436/Painting/chasing-up-the-beast-tdf21-65.html

 

Dauphine, Stage 7: We Tried

Pierre Rolland (B&B Hotels) reached out to salute his erstwhile break away companion, Kenny Elissonde (Trek-Segafredo).  The pair fist bumped as the peloton close in.  You may be able to just make out the Movistar lead reduced peloton just around the corner.  While in the break alliances are made, and later broken, but this one seems to have stood the test of kilometers.  They had managed to stay away until the final eleven kilometers to the summit in La Plagne.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above.  Since ti is an original work of art, it is a first come first seved reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburth watercolors 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/Criterium-du-Dauphine/3815691-120-185083/Painting/we-tried-cd21-36.html

Tour, Stage 18: It Doesn't Get Any Easier

 There is an adage in cycling that seems to be attributed to Greg Lemond the only American to win the Tour that has not had is victories expunged for doping.  He is quoted as saying that riding never gets easier, you just get faster.  This was the opposite for this quartet on the lower slopes of the Montee du plateau des Glieres.  Pierre Rolland (B&B Hotels-Vital Concept) was drifted back through the peloton having once been in the break away.  He is now hoping to latch on to the EF Cycling trio of their leader, Rigoberto Uran and his domestiques Daniel Felipe Martinez and Hugh Carthy.  It may not be fair to call Martinez a domestique, after all he has won a mountain top finish stage in this year's Tour.

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/Tour-de-France-2020/3703945-124-282744/Painting/it-doesnt-get-any-easier-tdf20-117.html

Tour, Stage 16: Hoping to Get Across

Pierre Rolland (B&B Hotels-Vital Concept) had set off on his own in an attempt to join the break away going up the road.  He had to squeeze through the barage being established on the front of the peloton to go catch the large group of escapees a minute or two up the road.  While riding across the gap, he was caught by the Sunweb duo of Tiesj Benoot and Casper Pedersen.  Rolland has a red bib number showing that he was awarded the most aggressive (or Combative) rider of Stage 15 the day before yesterday's rest day.  Behind another five riders were hoping to join up with what was looking like would be the successful break of the day.  He did eventually join up with the leaders and took maximum points over the second climb of the day.  If he can do the same on the next climb, and then get any points on the final, the Monte Saint Nizier de Moucherotte, he will take over the Maillot a Pois, a jersey he has worn in past Tours.

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/Tour-de-France-2020/3701494-106-282744/Painting/hoping-to-get-across-tdf20-100.html

Tour, Stage 15: Riding Away from Jesus

I apologize for the title, but I couldn't resist.  I mean when am I going to get the chance again?  On the first climb of the day, the Montee de la Selle du Fromentel, Simon Geschke (CCC) started the aggression out of the early eight man break.  Quickly on to the bearded German's wheel was Pierre Rolland (B&B Hotels-Vital Concept).  The duo was distancing the former Spanish Champion, Jesus Herrada (Cofidis), thus the title.  Behind this trio, others were trying to find their legs, some did, some did not.

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/Tour-de-France-2020/3700445-98-282744/Painting/riding-away-from-jesus-tdf20-92.html

Tour, Stage 12: Allez! Allez! Allez!

 It was a thrill to see Pierre Rolland (B&B Hotels-Vital Concept) jump clear of the chasers on the final rise of the stage.  While he left it too late to catch the lone man up the road, it was enough to get him second on the day, and a six second bonus.  The bonus wasn't that important but it did put him under nineteen minutes off the lead.  He is now sitting in 20th with his favorite terrain of the Alps to come.  He's probably too far back to make the podium in Paris, but he seems to have the legs to go one better one day in the mountains to come.  Allez translates as Go and is what is screamed at every rider as they go around the hexagon of 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/Tour-de-France-2020/3698159-78-282744/Painting/allez-allez-allez-tdf20-72.html

Tour, Stage 12: Setting the Stage

Pierre Rolland (EF Education First) left the lead break away group in the valley, just after the feed zone.  There is some controversary that he attacked as his breakaway companions were rooting through their musettes.  Rolland jumped free and went up the Lacets de Montvernier on his own.  He was on a campaign to repeat his stage win atop the Alpe d'Huez.  Problem is he has another big challenge of the Col de la Croix Fer before he even reaches the base of d'Huez.

This is the painting from today's stage that you can watch come to life both here, and on my YouTube Channel.  I hope you will become a subscriber to the channel and check back daily for the remaining nine stages of the Tour.

 
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-2018/3190055-64-251072/PaintingSetting-the-Stage--T18-63.html

Giro, Final Stage: Rolling

Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Drapac) rolled down the ramp on his way to a less than stellar individual time trial.  He need not worry, he has raced a brilliant Giro that included a stage victory.  I will admit that I am a fan of the Frenchman and have enjoyed his agressive racing.  I imagine that today's performance was due partly to the aggression he has exhibited in the final week of the race.

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.

With the racing of the 100th Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in helping this book get made, please consider backing the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included. With Kickstarter, if there is not a 100% funded, no one is charged a dime, and the project recieves 0% funding.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2974356-143-235247/PaintingRolling-G17-151.html

Giro, Stage 19: Lighting the Match

Once the chasing group of 11 joined the five up front, the break was just too much for Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Drapac).  He was the first to ride off the front before the final climb of the day.  With 24 kilometers left to ride today, I am sure he was hoping for a little help.  But you have to start some where.  The base of the climb was only about twelve kilometers away, so soon there would be less an advantage in numbers.

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.

With the racing of the 100th Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in helping this book get made, please consider backing the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included. With Kickstarter, if there is not a 100% funded, no one is charged a dime, and the project recieves 0% funding.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2973472-128-235247/PaintingLighting-the-Match-G17-136.html

Giro, Stage 19: Yes, Please

Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Drapac) was one of the five that got themselves into the early break.  He is reaching back to one of the following cars in the caravan for a bidon.  The camera never did show me if it was his team car or neutral service. To his right rides Pello Bilbao (Astana) who had just been back to the Astana car to get bottles for himself and his teammate, Luis Leon Sanchez.  Today was the day to be in the break.  The peloton had all of the GC men in it, so they were willing to saunter their way to the final climb of the day.  Then the racing will be on in earnest!

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.

With the racing of the 100th Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in helping this book get made, please consider backing the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included. With Kickstarter, if there is not a 100% funded, no one is charged a dime, and the project recieves 0% funding.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2973272-125-235247/PaintingYes,-Please-G17-133.html

Giro, Stage 17: In Disbelief

Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Drapac) couldn't belief he pulled of the stage win.  He has been chasing a stage for days now, even using his team to force an early stage break away to allow him to join in.  I can't believe that none of the others reacted to Rolland's attack.  Yes, it had been a hard day and the last 20 kilometers were all a qradual up hill ride after three catagorized climbs, but it feels like they each thought someone else should do the work.  Rolland rolled the dice, and time the roll well, taking the stage with 24 seconds to spare.  Behind, none of the jersey changed owners after all.

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.

With the racing of the 100th Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in helping this book get made, please consider backing the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included. With Kickstarter, if there is not a 100% funded, no one is charged a dime, and the project recieves 0% funding.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2971596-116-235247/PaintingIn-Disbiief-G17-124.html

Giro, Stage 17: Attacking the Others

With the kilometers ticking down, those in the break away started attacking each other.  It was Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Drapac) who went when heads were turned the other direction, and went hard enough that no one was inclined to chase him down.  Most must have thought that it feel on UAE Team Emirates to do the chasing since they had the strenght of numbers.  Whatever the reasons, Rolland quickly got over 10 seconds on the others with just six kilometers to go.

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.

With the racing of the 100th Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in helping this book get made, please consider backing the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included. With Kickstarter, if there is not a 100% funded, no one is charged a dime, and the project recieves 0% funding.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2971590-115-235247/PaintingAttacking-the-Others-G17-123.html

Giro, Stage 15: Running Along

Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Drapac) was the first to attack on the short steep climb up to the citadel of old Bergamo.  While most of the fans are orderly and don't interfere with the riders or the racing, there are those who will run along side the climbing (and struggling) riders, often weaving about in their costumed silliness.  Today at least, the blue wigged fool didn't jeopardize the race or Rolland's 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.

With the racing of the 100th Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in helping this book get made, please consider backing the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included. With Kickstarter, if there is not a 100% funded, no one is charged a dime, and the project recieves 0% funding.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2970720-100-235247/PaintingRunning-Along-G17-108.html

Giro, Stage 15: Got Any Snacks?

Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Drapac) dropped back to the Vittoria Tires sponsored neutral service car to get a water bottle.  After he had gotten that, he gestured to his mouth with a squeezing action apparently trying to get an energy gel or two.  The spread of riders all over the course meant that he had missed his chance to get any food from his team car and was fearing that he might bonk on the way into the finale in Bergamo.  With just 13 kilometers left to race the fact that he couldn't get any gels probably won't have any effect on his nutrition before the finish.  However, riders must be sure not to deplete their reserves, after all tomorrow they must race again.  Actually, tomorrow is a rest day, but the basic rule still applies.

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.

With the racing of the 100th Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in helping this book get made, please consider backing the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included. With Kickstarter, if there is not a 100% funded, no one is charged a dime, and the project recieves 0% funding.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2970719-99-235247/PaintingGot-Any-Snacks?-G17-107.html

Giro, Stage 15: Joining the Party

As the leaders on the road past the 30 kilometer banner, the original leaders were joined by Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) and Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Drapac).  With the addition of the two new men, the break began to open up a bit larger gap on the peloton behind.  They were further aided by a reduction in speed by the peloton.  On the previous descent, Nairo Quintana (Movistar) had crashed. As is often the case in professional cycling, the maglia rosa of Tom Dumoulin (Team Sunweb) slowed the pace of the peloton to led the Colombian back onto the back of the group before resuming full speed racing.

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.

With the racing of the 100th Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in helping this book get made, please consider backing the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included. With Kickstarter, if there is not a 100% funded, no one is charged a dime, and the project recieves 0% funding.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2970708-97-235247/PaintingJoining-the-Party-G17-105.html

Giro, Stage 11: Finishing It Off

It is truly impressive that Omar Fraile (Dimension Data) was able to recuperate from his early efforts in the break away, pull even in King of the Mountain points and still take the stage victory at the end of the day.  Fraile out smarted Rui Costa (UAE Emirates) who claimed second.  They were followed home by Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Drapac) in third, Tanel Kangert (Astana) in fourth, and Ben Hermans (BMC) in sixth.  All in all, it was a great day of racing, that saw some movement in the general classification.  And yet, the top spots of the leader board all stayed as they were at the start of the day.

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.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2968108-80-235247/PaintingFinishing-It-Off-G17-81.html

Giro, Stage 11: Out Front, Again

Earlier, both Mikel Landa (Sky) and Omar Fraile (Dimension Data) had been caught by the chasing group.  While Landa went on out the back once he was caught, Fraile hung tough with the group.  After recovering from his earlier effort, he was able to join the attack of Rui Costa (UAE Team Emirates).  In turn, they were joined by Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Drapac).  Now the three were descending off of the final climb of the day hoping to hold off those behind.  It seemed clear now that the group of GC contenders riding with the Maglia Rosa, would never see the front group again.

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.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2968104-79-235247/PaintingOut-Front,-Again-G17-80.html

Giro, Stage 11: Getting Away

It may have been Laurens de Plus (Quickstep) who started the attacks on Monte Fumaiolo, but he was joined by Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Drapac) and Rui Costa (UAE Team Emirates).  The trio wasn't happy to stay work together, but instead took it in turns to try and escape.  Rolland looks back over his shoulder to see that he has slipped away from Costa and de Plus - at least for now.

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.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2968103-78-235247/PaintingGetting-Away-G17-79.html

Giro, Stage 4: Climbing Away

While one rider was still up the road, it was time to try and gain time on the other GC men.  Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Drapac) was one of the first team leaders to attack the peloton of favorites.  With the Maglia Rosa back down the volcano it was a sure thing that the race leader was going to chance for the fourth time at the end of the stage.  Behind Rolland the Astana rider, Pello Bilbao (Astana) was trying to get onto the wheel of the Frenchman.

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.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2964224-29-235247/PaintingClimbing-Away-G17-29.html