Tour Down Under '23, Stage 2: The Stage and the Jersey

As I said, Rohan Dennis (Jumbo-Visma) was looking like he was about to attack in the previous painting.  And he had enough power left to get away from his breakaway companions.  He just managed to have time to celebrate even as Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) tried as hard as he could to catch the Australian.  On his wheel and hidden by him is Mauro Schmid (Soudal-Quickstep) finishing in third.  Simon Yates (Jayco-AlUla) and Jai Hindley (Bora-Hansgrohe) finished out the placings just a mere eleven seconds ahead of the fast closing peloton lead home by Caleb Ewan (UniSA-Australia).  With the ten second time bonus Dennis will be pulling on the next Ochre Jersey with a lead of just three seconds over Vine, a second less than the time bonus difference between first and second 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 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-Down-Under/3928093-161-194179/Painting/the-stage-and-the-jersey-tdu23-15.html

Tour Down Under '23, Stage 2: Lining It Up

As this quintet hit the one kilometer to go Jai Hindley (Bora-Hansgrohe) looked back to find that Rohan Dennis (Jumbo-Visma) had caught back onto his wheel bringing Mauro Schmid (Soudal-Quickstep), Simon Yates (Jayco-AlUla) and Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) along with him.  As I was painting this it seemed to me that Dennis was looking a bit twitchy, like he was about to pull something.  Sure enough, as soon as I hid play Dennis jumped away from the others making a quick dash for the line.  He opened up a gap quickly but there were some powerful legs working to get back onto terms with the Australian.

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-Down-Under/3928092-160-194179/Painting/lining-it-up-tdu23-14.html

Tour Down Under '23, Stage 2: The Cream Is Rising

Just as the peloton regrouped at the base of Nettle Hill, Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) went off the front seemingly in search of the King of the Mountains Jersey.  His move was quickly covered by Simon Yates (Jayco-AlUla) and that caught the attention of Rohan Dennis (Jumbo-Visma) and Jai Hindley (Bora-Hansgrohe).  While Vine was the first over the Category 1 climb (and the new leader in the KOM competiton), all four and one more slipped away from the peloton as they went over the top.  The five would open up a 45 second gap on the main peloton on the fast descent down to Victor Harbor.  It was looking like this group would contain the next Ochre Jersey since Alberto Bettiol was cramping up on the lower slopes.  As his muscles seized he lost his grip on the race lead.  He finished the day over two minutes behind the stage winner.

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-Down-Under/3928091-159-194179/Painting/the-cream-is-rising-tdu23-13.html

Tour Down Under '23, Prologue: Into the Final Corner

 I was looking forward to watching Rohan Dennis (Jumbo-Visma) ride a blistering time trial through downtown Adelaide.  Unfortunatley, the rain prevent me and the fans along the side of the road from seeing the former Time Trial World Champion show his stuff against the clock.  He did break into the top ten, but finished the day in 15th overall.  I suspect he will now go looking for stage victories, however given the number one on his jersey I wonder if the team will be riding for him all week.  Fortunately for him, the Adelaide hills aren't as tough as the Alps so he is still in with a chance for over all victory.

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-Down-Under/3927879-151-194179/Painting/into-the-final-corner-tdu23-5.html

Paris Nice: It'll Be Good

Rohan Dennis (Jumbo-Visma) looked good in his new Time Trial Champion of Australia jersey.  It looks even better with the rainbow stripes around the collar as the former world champion in this discipline.  Jumbo-Visma has been having an amazing Paris Nice due in part to the power of Dennis on the front of the peloton.  It was not a big surprise when he went through the intermediate time check with the new best time, and just the same has he posted the best time at the finish line in Montlucon.  He ended the day with the third best time after the yellow jersey finished his ride.

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/3871388-52-272742/Painting/itll-be-good.html

Yorkshire 2019 - Elite Men's ITT: Starting the Celebration

It is an extreme rarity to see a rider celebrate his ride in an individual time trial, after all, it is all about time gains and a celebration slows a rider down.  However, Rohan Dennis (Australia) had such a lead (and he can see the clock as he nears the finish) that he allowed himself a luxury of a celebration.  Dennis had pulled out of the Tour this year just ahead of the individual time trial and has been under press scrutiny ever since.  So he can be pardoned his feeling of vindication in defending his Rainbow Jersey in the Elite Men's ITT.  Under his arm the winner of the Vuelta d'Espania, Primoz Roglic (Slovenia) had been caught by Dennis, but out sprinted the Australian to the line.  He was over three minutes behind Dennis on time but couldn't resist the temptation to race to the line.

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.

Please be sure to visit my YouTube Channel and subscribe if you like what you see.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Yorkshire%202019/3395491-28-266225/Starting%20the%20Celebration%20%20UCI19-28.html

Yorkshire 2019 - Elite Men's ITT: On a Good One

Rohan Dennis (Australia) was clearly on a good ride today.  He was posting substantially better times than everyone to go before out on the course.  On the other hand, it was a truly bad day for Victor Campenaerts (Belgium).  Campenaerts had crashed which necessitated a bike change.  A little later, he had to change bikes again due to a mechanical.  The two incidents set up this catch by Dennis and left him well out of the medal hunt.  Surprisingly, Campenaerts did finish 11th as he rode across the line in Harrogate almost four minutes behind the time of Rohan Dennis. 

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.

Please be sure to visit my YouTube Channel and subscribe if you like what you see.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Yorkshire%202019/3395475-24-266225/On%20a%20Good%20One%20%20UCI19-25.html

Amgen ToC, Stage 2: Bonus Seconds

Part of race strategy is picking up bonus seconds at the intermediate sprints along the road.  Normally, those sprints are on flat stretches of road, but the second sprint today was on the climb up Luther Pass with just 30 kilometers left in the stage.  The break was still off the front and it was Dennis Rohan (Bahrain Merida) racing for a new team, vieing for a three second bonus against reigning ToC champion, David de la Cruz (Ineso).  Apparently, Rohan had a slip of gears and just missed getting the maximum seconds, taking second to de la Cruz.  These seconds can be very important, almost every Tour of California has been decided by less than a minute.

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%20of%20California/3331451-63-223355/Bonus%20Seconds%20%20ToC19-8.html

Giro, Stage 16: Looking for Stage Honors

Rohan Dennis (BMC), the time trial champion of Australia, went out looking for a time trial stage win today.  He was just two seconds off of the pace in the opening TT in Jerusalem to kick off the 101st Giro d'Italia.  It was two seconds he made up the next day to pull on the Maglia Rosa for two stages while racing in Israel.  I doubt he expected to regain the over all lead, but he certainly found the stage victory he wanted.  He finished twnety two seconds ahead of the current time trial world champion as well as fourteen seconds ahead of the four time champion, Tony Martin (Katusha-Alpecin).  His time today did move him into sixth overall, leaving his in striking distance of the podium in Rome.

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/101st-Giro-dItalia/3166968-65-249297/PaintingLooking-for-Stage-Honors--G18-70.html

Giro, Stage 6: All Who Matter

This vastly reduced peloton was chasing the even more drastically reduced break away up the final kilometers of the Etna climb.  At this point all of the big names (and GC contenders) were still together, including the Maglia Blanco of Maximilian Schachman (Quick Step), my hometown boy, Ben King (Dimension Data), the Maglia Rosa of Rohan Dennis (BMC) and Fabio Aru (UAE Team Emirates) in his Italian National Champion jersey.  The big M is on the back of Richard Carapaz (Movistar).  The others who are odds on favorites are leading this group, but not really readable in this painting.

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/101st-Giro-dItalia/3161026-28-249297/PaintingAll-Who-Matter--G18-28.html

Giro d'Italia, Stage 1: What He Does Best

When Rohan Dennis (BMC), bedecked in his Australian Time Trial Champion jersey, crossed the line he was the one with the new best time.  He would have to wait quite some time to see if it would be enough to win the stage (and the first Maglia Rosa of the 101st Giro).  In fact it would be until the final rider of the day came to the finish before he would know the anwser.

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/101st-Giro-dItalia/3157921-2-249297/PaintingWhat-He-Does-Best-G18-2.html

Bregen 2017, Elite Men's Team Time Trial: Leading on the Cobbles

The organizers of the races in Bergen provided a team time trial course that had absolutely everything for the riders and fans alike.  The riders rode over a beautiful suspension bridge, climb a brutal steep hill, and then twisted their way through a section of cobble stones all on their way to a finish down by the historic harbor - a world heritage site.  BMC Pro Cycling was hoping to reclaim the Gold Medal that they had lost in the dessert of Doha last year and were still showing the best times at the third time check.  As they reached the end of the cobbles their fifth rider, Stafan Kung, signaled that he wasn't going to be able to keep on pace, and then dropped away fron the four remainders.  Going to the line with just four guys, they lost eight seconds to the Sunweb team, settling for their second Silver Medal in a row.  Chapeau to Tejay van Garderen, Rohan Dennis, Daniel Oss and all of the team.

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/Bergen-2017-UCI-Road-World-Championships/3034306-10-239826/PaintingLeading-on-the-Cobbles--Bregen-10.html

Doha 2016, Elite Men's ITT: One Final Kilometer

The former hour record holder, Rohan Dennis (Australia) tried hard to be a factor today, but from the very first time check he was losing time against not only the eventual winner, Tony Martin (Germany) but also to the early leader, Ryan Mullins (Ireland).  Dennis has had some tough luck in these international competitions.  In Richmond last year he had a bike change during the ITT, costing him a chance to medal, and again in the Rio Olympics his handle bar broke requiring another bike change.  Today, it was his legs, and perhaps the heat, that interfered with his aspirations.  He did manage a top ten finish, claiming sixth on the tally board.

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/Doha%202016%20UCI%20Road%20World%20Championships/2864550-41-227958/PaintingOne%20Final%20Kilometer%20Doha41-Greig-Leach.html#.V_5-FuArLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 7b: A Huge Effort

After others had tried to escape from the peloton on the climb, but the hill had proved too much, it was Rohan Dennis (BMC) who got away at the summit.  If anyone could ride away from the whole of the peloton, it was the former World Hour Record holder.  Dennis had taken second this morning in the time trial, just three seconds slower than the winner, Tony Martin (Etixx-Quickstep).  No one else had the legs to ride as fast as this Australian in the morning, and it seems none could do it this afternoon either.  Dennis won the stage by six seconds over the field and was rewarded with a ten second time bonus and the points jersey in the bargain.  He now sits just twenty six seconds off the lead of Steve Cummings (Dimension Data) and just twelve seconds ahead of the former points jersey wearer, Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin).  It is unlikely that tomorrow's 99 kilometer circuit race on the streets of London will do much to alter the podium standings, but one never knows until it is done.  One thing is certain, Xandro Meurisse (Wanty Group Gobert) will keep the King of the Mountains Jersey (well almost he still has to finish the stage tomorrow).

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/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849937-82-189075/PaintingA%20Hugh%20Effort%20ToB56-Greig-Leach.html#.V9S0D5grLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 6: Looking It Over

The domestiques have done their work now it is time for those with a one at the end of their bib numbers to do their work.  Well, Wout Poels (Sky) who launched the first attack on the mid slopes of the Haytor climb is bib number 13.  He is the first racer I have seen with that number who hasn't flipped on of them upside down to avoid the bad luck.  It was Rohan Dennis (BMC) who chased down the attacking Dutchman, bringing another one, Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin) with him.  Joining the aggression at the front of affairs are Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) and Gorka Izaguirre (Movistar).  The quintet is looking back over their collective shoulders to see first who else is trying to bridge across and the whereabouts of the Yellow Jersey of Julian Vermote (Etixx-Quickstep).

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/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849687-72-189075/PaintingLooking%20It%20Over%20ToB46-Greig-Leach.html#.V9OJj5grLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 6: All Who Matter

With all of the early escapees back in the fold, it was time for the GC contenders to make their move.  Each of the hopefuls put a teammate on the front to ramp up the pace as they started up to the summit of Haytor, Dartmoor.  So Loic Vliegen (BMC) road for Rohan Dennis, Marco Mocato (Wanty Group Gobert), for Xandro Meurisse, and finally Jack Bauer (Cannondale-Drapac) for Dylan Van Baarle.  With just five kilometers left to race, all of them uphill, it was now the time to take over the lead of the Tour of Britain.  For Meurisse, it was time to make sure the King of the Mountians Jersey would be his on the final day.  The rest of the Tour are either a time trial or circuit races, with a win today, his lead would be unbeatable.

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/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849673-71-189075/PaintingAll%20Who%20Matter%20ToB45-Greig-Leach.html#.V9OFspgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 2: Out of the Mist

Rohan Dennis (BMC) may have been using the cover of the mist to ride away from the peloton, but it was truly the strength of his legs that did the job on the Struggle.  Dennis quickly bridged across to those from the original break that were losing contact on the steep climb.  Dennis looked behind to check the damage and to make sure his teammate, Loic Vliegen, was holding onto his wheel.  Just down the road, the only one visible through the fog was Hector Saez (Caja Rural-Seguros).  Everyone else was lost to view.  The restricted visibility makes the coming descent a frightening proposition.  Dennis was able to press on and catch the leaders on the road.

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2848035-39-189075/PaintingOut%20of%20the%20Mist%20ToB13-Greig-Leach.html#.V84W2JgrLIU

Rio Olympics: Quick Change Artist

Australian Rohan Dennis followed on the bad luck of his teammate Richie Porte from the Men's Road Race.  Dennis managed to break the aero bars of his time trial bike.  Naturally, he couldn't finish his race on that machine, so he had no choice but to stop for a new bike.  His team mechanic was already out of the team car and unlocking the spare bike before either Dennis or the car came to a stop.  The bike change only took ten seconds, but it was enough time to push the Australian off of the medal stand.

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2835912-68-226051/PaintingQuick%20Change%20Artist%20Rio68-Greig-Leach.html#.V6yal5grLIU

Rio Olympics: Shaving Seconds

The time trial is all about saving as many seconds as possible.  Riders wear "skin suits" to reduce drag.  Their bikes are designed to slice through the wind with specialized handlebars, solid rear wheels and aerodynamic helmets.  Then there is how you ride the course.  Rohan Dennis (Australia) was cutting the corners as tight as possible, almost brushing his shoulders up against the barrier fencing.  Dennis was setting all of the best time splits as he went around the roughly 55 kilometer course.

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2835759-66-226051/PaintingShaving%20Seconds%20Rio66-Greig-Leach.html#.V6vqcpgrLIU

Tour, Stage 2: Chasing or Protecting?

With the gap to the break away foursome barely budging, the question needs to be asked, "Is the peloton chasing, or just protecting their favored riders?"  Dennis Rohan (BMC) went to the front with his other domestiques, Michael Schar and Marcus Burghardt, to lift the pace a bit, but it seems more that they were interested in keeping their twin team leaders, Tejay van Garderen and Richie Porte safe, rather than actually chasing the escapees down.  The other team riding at the front where the boys from Cannondale-Drapac, with Ramunas Navardauskas leading the way for them.

On a side note, Dimension Data not only sponsor a team (currently holding the Yellow Jersey) but as a race sponsor, they have their signage along the side of the course.

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.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  While you are on the site, be sure to check out my other works of art and my two cycling books.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Bear in mind that this is a one of a kind original and once it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2817835-10-224974/PaintingChasing%20or%20Protecting?%20TdF10-Greig-Leach.html#.V3lUt7grLIU