Liege Bastogne Liege: Worth the Effort

It may not have been the team's or even Bob Jungels' (Quick-Step) intention to solo to victory today.  But when the opportunity presented itself, he had the legs and heart to make it happen.  In the post race interview, Jungels said he was countering the attacks on the Cote de la Roche aux Faucons to put his teammate Julien Alaphilippe in a good position.  At the summit, the peloton just seemed to let the Luxembourg champion go.  At that point, it fell to Alaphilippe to cover any counter attacks and to keep the peloton from chasing Jungels down.  Quick-Step now has 27 wins this season, and are truly racing for each other, not just for themselves.  With that attitude, they will continue to rack up victories all season long.  Alaphilippe finished fourth on the day, with Michael Woods (EF Education First-Drapac) taking 2nd and Romain Bardet (Ag2r La Mondiale) claiming third on the day.  Both coming in 37 seconds behind Jungels.

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-/3151267-429-195767/PaintingWorth-the-Effort--LBL18-9.html

Liege Bastogne Liege: Move & Counter

With the final member of the early break caught, it was time for the attacks to come from the peloton.  The Cote de la Roche aux Faucons provided the perfect launch pad.  First to attack was Philippe Gilbert (Quick-Step) who was countered by Sergio Henao (Sky).  Quick-Step has been able to use its strength in numbers to great affect this season, so it was that Bob Jungels (Quick-Step) that was able to counter the counter attack by Henao.  Striving to hold onto the Luxembourg Champion's wheel was one of two Canadians in the race, Michael Woods (EF Education First-Drapac).  With just twenty kilometers left to race, it was the time to try a split the peloton apart, and that is exactly what was taking place on the penultimate climb of the day.

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-/3151254-427-195767/PaintingMove-&-Counter-LBL18-7.html

Liege Bastogne LIege: The Chase Is On

With just 37 kilometers left to race, it was time for the peloton to use the Cote de la Redoute to start the chase in earnest.  Enric Mas and Julian Alaphilippe (Quick-Step) hit the front and drove the pace in hopes of shedding some of their rivals.  Tucked on to Alaphilippe's wheel was the strong man for Team Sky, Geraint Thomas.  Thomas was marked in turned by Jose Rojas (Movistar) and so it went on down the long line of competitors, teammates and domestiques. 

Fans will line the route of every race, many flying flags of teams, countries on regions from their camp sites and campers along the sides of every climb.  Cycling is about the only sport were fans can get close to their heros and not have to buy a ticket for the honor.

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-/3151239-424-195767/PaintingThe-Chase-Is-On--LBL18-4.html