2026 UCI Road World Championships, Montreal, Elite Women's Road Race: Chasers & Disrupters

Purchase this painting here: "Chasers and Disrupters UCI26-5" (Original art by Greig Leach)

With her teammate up the road, Puck Pieterse (Netherlands) shifted from launching the attack to disrupting those trying to chase down Demi Vollering.  It was her job now to slow the chase being mounted by Marlen Reusser (Switzerland) and Kasia Niewiadoma (Poland).  Niewiadoma does have a teammate in the trio thirty-one seconds up the road.  With twenty-five kilometers to race, there was still a chance for these women to vie for the podium.  

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 top of this post to purchase this painting. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

2026 UCI Road World Championships, Montreal, Elite Women's Road Race: Blowing Up the Peloton!

Purchase this painting here: "Blowing Up the Peloton UCI26-4" (Original art by Greig Leach)

With 39 K to race the Dutch finally made the move they had been riding for all day.  As they elite of the peloton hit the climb up Mont Royal for the third time, Puck Pieterse (Netherlands) went to the front and drove the pace for her teammate Demi Vollering.  The two were able to drop everyone except Dominika Wlodarczyk (Poland) and Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy).  Just after I painted this, Vollering went off on her own hoping to go solo to win the Rainbow Jersey.  Several other women thought differently.

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 top of this post to purchase this painting. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 8: Battling for Yellow

After the final climb of the day, the course in Nice threw up a little surprise climb.  That is where Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) launched her final attack.  Just a several hundred meters to climb, Vollering finally cracked Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon/SRAM).  Vollering was most eager to do to the Maillot Jaune what she had done to her to earn it.  It also seems that whoever wears the green bib number is unable to match the accelerations of others the next day.  So it was for the Niewiadoma today.  As she chased down to Nice, she as joined by Elisa Longo Borghini, but was unable to help her chase down Vollering to save her yellow jersey.  She now trails Vollering by eight seconds.  I should point out that when she won the Tour de France Femmes two years ago, she did so by a mere four seconds.  Sounds like we are setting up for a spectacular final stage in and around Nice.

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Battling for Yellow TdFF26-54" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 8: Dropped

The peloton hit the final categorized climb of the day hard, very hard!  The goal was to shed any sprinters that were still in the group, but many others popped off the back as well.  I was a bit surprised to see that one of those dropped was Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech) in her Maillot a Pois that shows she is the Queen of the Mountains.  It wasn't much of a climb, but after all she has done to earn the title, it was a bit too much.  Conversely, she doesn't have to dig that deep anymore, her lead in the competition is unsurmountable.  She is going over the Cote de Ginstiere on the wheels of Debora Silvestri (Laboral Kutxa-Fundacion Euskadi) and Alice Towers (EF Education-Oatly).  

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Dropped TdFF26-53" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 6: Coming Around Right

From being off the back on the penultimate climb of the day to out sprinting the leaders to claim the stage, Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal) had a rather exceptional stage.  With her efforts she moved herself into the top ten just seventeen seconds behind the woman who finished second today, Cedrine Kerboal (EF Education-Oatly).  Not only did Puck Peiterse (Fenix-Premier Tech) increase her lead in the Queen of the Mountains competition, she finished third on the day, too.  Behind them, it was the local woman (and French Champion) Celia Gery (FDJ United-Suez) only managed fifth.  She was awarded the most combative rider of the day much to the delight of the fans.  Fifth went to Liane Lippert (Movistar).  I feel like she was conflicted on whether to ride for herself or to help pull her teammate and Maillot Jaune closer to these leaders.  The Yellow Jersey group came in half a minute after the winner, but it wasn't enough to affect the top of the general classification, since they were all together.

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Coming Around Right TdFF26-38" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 6: Stripes and Polka Dots

I'm sorry, I couldn't resist the title.  As they neared the base of the final climb of the day, the Cote de Bouciou le Roi it was the Maillot a Pois accompanied by both the French and Italian National Champions.  I loved the symmetry of seeing the two tricolores of Celia Gery (FDJ United-Suez) and Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team L'IMAD) joining up with the polka dots of the Queen of the Mountains, Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech).  The trio had a couple of other women with them a good thirteen seconds ahead of what was left of the peloton containing the race leaders.  The champions were after the stage victory, whereas Pieterse was after the last QOM points on the final climg of the day.  At this point, they were happy to work together to achieve different goals.

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Stripes and Polka Dots TdFF26-37" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 5: Every Climb!

Over the top of the Cote de Pruzily, it was Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech) taking the maximum Queen of the Mountain points, again.  That makes six climbs out of six where she claimed the max points on offer.  She started the day in the Maillot a Pois of best climber, but she has spent seventy-six kilometers proving it today.  I am afraid I cursed her with this title, after this climb, she didn't figure in the points over the remaining two climbs of the fifth stage of the fifth Tour de France Femmes.  She was followed over the climb by the reigning UCI Women's Road Race Champion Magdeleine Vallieres (EF Education-Oatly).  With four more stages to race her twenty-three-point advantage won't be enough to hold the Polka Dots on the end of the final day in Nice.

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Every Climb! TdFF26-28" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →   

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 5: Hoarding Polka Dots

As the peloton neared the summit of the Cote de Saint Christophe Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech) jumped free to claim the maximum Queen of the Mountain points at the summit.  This makes the third out of three climbs in this stage that she was the first over the top.  While she is already Queen, she clearly wants to put her hold on the Maillot a Pois out of reach for anyone else.  In other words, she is hoarding all of the points available today.  It looks like no one in this group has much interest in trying to deny her her quest.

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Hoarding Polka Dots TdFF26-25" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →   

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 3: Watching Each Other

After attacking each other on the final climb of the day, this group of favorites sat up and looked to each other.  Amongst the group are the new Maillot a Pois, Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech) on the rear of the group with Antonia Niedermaier (Canyon/SRAM) along with Kim Le Court-Piemaar (AG Insurance-Soudal).  It was Le Court who started the aggression but once covered seemed to decide to fight another day.  Towards the front is the defending Tour de France Femmes champion, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot (Visma-Lease a Bike) and her teammate Femke De Vries amongst others.  They did sit up and let the rest of the peloton catch them.  In addition, they never caught the two up the road leaving the Visma-Lease a Bike duo's teammate Marianne Vos to sprint for third place on the stage.

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Watching Each Other TdFF26-17" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →  

Women's Omloop Nieuwsblad '25: Attacking the Kapelmuur

As the peloton hit the fabled Kapelmuur, it was Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez) in her new team's kit that attacked.  The only one able to go with the former Dutch Champion was her countrywoman, Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck).  With just eleven kilometers and one more climb to race, it is unlikely that this effort will make up the five minutes the two leaders have.

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 work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Attacking the Kapelmuur OHN25-3" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Koksijde, Women's Cyclo-Cross: Making Her Own Track

Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck) made her own track through the deep sand on course in Koksijde.  Pieterse won my heart in her amazing ride and stint in the Maillot a Pois in this past Tour de France Femmes.  I was disappointed not to see her win earlier in the week, but she came back with vengeance at the end of today's race claiming her first cross victory of the season by twenty seconds over the reigning World and Dutch Champions.  I might fast becoming a fan of Cyclo-Cross.  At least of the women's races.

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 work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Making Her Own Track CX-K25-3" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Koksijde, Women's Cyclo-Cross: Sand Pit

I've been stuck at home nursing my first bout of Covid and have gotten into watching Cyclo Cross.  It took me a couple of races, but I am really starting to get into it.  However, watching the pros race, I have decided that it would be foolish for me to give it a go after all.  I figured, if I am watching, I might as well paint the racing, too.

This is the Women's Koksijde race in the extreme north of Belgium that features sand dunes as the major challenge to the riders.  This is the second dune the peloton faced and is being led by Inge van der Heijden (Crelan-Corendon) who is just about to remount at the top of the climb.  Behind her, Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck) is taking her last steps before swinging her bike off her back and back under her for the descent.

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 work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Sand Pit CX-K25-1" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour de France Femmes '24, Stage 7: Dictating the Pace

With today's coverage I'm listening to the 'voice of cycling' Phil Liggett.  He seemed as confused as most of us as to why Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon/SRAM) was setting the pace up the Le Grand Bornand with just three kilometers to race.  All of her challengers were behind her and it was up to them to attack her.  Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime) was glued to her wheel but seemed unable to attack due to the pace the Maillot Jaune was setting.  Likewise, Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck) was also only able to follow the two marquee riders of the Tour de France Femmes.  Much has been made about whether Puck would be able to climb or have the endurance for an eight-stage race.  This is her first pro tour stage race.  She has had quite an auspicious start at this level of racing having already won a stage and is wearing one of the leaders' jerseys having held two early in the race. 

Later Vollering was able to drop Niewiadoma, but didn't gain any time with the exception of the four bonus seconds for taking third to Niewiadoma's fourth at the summit of the climb that marked the end of the stage.

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 work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Dictating the Pace TdFF24-35" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour de France Femmes '24, Stage 7: Watching & Waiting

With the exception of the women up the road, all of those that mattered were keeping a close eye on each other as they climbed the Col de Saint Jean de Sixt.  Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon/SRAM) in here long sought after Maillot Jaune was keeping a very close watch on the wheel of Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime).  Vollering was over a minute behind the yellow jersey, but her climbing prowess made her a dangerous challenge to Niewiadoma's lead in the Tour de France Femmes.  On the jersey's wheel was Shirin Van Anrooij (Lidl-Trek) who is just of the lead in the race for the Maillot Blanc currently held by the woman just behind her, Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck).  Pieterse was being aided by her teammate Pauliena Rooijakkers.  We all expected multiple attacks with just thirteen kilometers to race, but at this point they were all just watching other.  Meanwhile, two riders were flirting with both the stage win and the virtual yellow jersey.

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 work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Watching & Waiting TdFF24-34" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour de France Femmes '24, Stage 4: Photo Finish

Just before she attacked the announcer, I am listenting to, Anthony McCrossan, said "She needs to wait, but she thinks she needs to attack early..."  Predictably, Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon/SRAM) was caught, and dropped after her attempt to surprise Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck) and Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime) failed in the final kilometer.  Next to try was Pieterse who got the jump on the fading Niewiadoma and the patient Maillot Jaune.  As she went, Vollering waited a beat and then did her best to catch the young neophyte.  The two reached the line together in Liege.  Neither celebrated nor did either know have any idea which one of them had won the stage.  They stood together surrounded by a scrum of photographers, tv cameras, and reporters as they waited for over four minutes before it was announced that Pieterse had held on for the win.  She had quite the stage, first she won a stage in the Tour de France Femmes in her first pro tour race, next she is now the leader of the Queen of the Mountains jersey, and finally, she is now the best young rider in the Tour.  Not a bad day out.  I admit I don't remember which of those two jerseys is considered the more important so I don't know which one she will be wearing at the start of stage 5 in Bastogne tomorrow.

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 work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Photo Finish TdFF24-21" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour de France Femmes '24, Stage 4: We Gonna' Ride?

Just like the previous climb (although it was only one woman the last time) these four got off the front as they raced for the top of the Cote de la Roche aux Faucons.  It was Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck) who got the maximum Queen of the Mountains points, and is now the virtual queen.  Going over the summit of the final climb with her is her teammate Pauliena Rooijakkers.  They were joined by Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime) and Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon/SRAM).  It is Niewiadoma who is looking over at Vollering trying to get the others to push on in hopes of vying for stage honors.  In the final kilometers of the stage, the constant rollers were too much for Rooijakkers who was dropped by the others.  The other three stayed off the front into Liege to fight for the stage and the time bonuses on the way and at the line.

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 work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"We Gonna' Ride? TdFF24-20" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women;s Mountain Biking: Continuing Her Chase

Puck Pieterse (Nederland) was chasing the lone leader on her own, looking like she was in the perfect form to at least take a Silver Medal on the day.  Then fate struck.  Pieterse had a flat and had to limp her bike to the Tech Area to get a wheel change.  It would obviously be impossible for a team car to follow in this kind of a course.  She got a good change, but it took her out of the medal running.  She did finish sixth on the day.  Not what the day promised nor what she hoped for.

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 work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Continuing Her Chase PO24-17" (Original art by Greig Leach)