Ronde van Vlaanderen: From the Start

As soon as the start flag was pulled in, the attacks went off the front.  With the peloton facing 260 kilometers in the saddle, it was literally a long shot to succeed with the break away.  This early group of escapees included Julien Morice (Direct Energie), Oliviero Troia (UAE Abu Dhabi), Mark McNally (Wanty Groupe Gobert), Stef Van Zummeren (Veranda's Willems-Crelan), and Julian Duval (Ag2r La Mondiale).  In the distance you can see others trying to bridge across to the group.  They did gain over eleven minutes before the big names decided to bring them back into the fold.

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.

Women's Ronde van Vlaanderen: The Width of a Tire

With the chasers closing in the duo of Emma Johansson (Wiggle High 5) and Lizzie Armitstead (Boels Dolmans) had to open up the sprint early.  Johansson went first hoping to use her stamina to hold of the faster sprinter bedecked in her Rainbow Jersey.  Armitstead had just enough to edge out the Swedish National Champion, hitting the line only the width of a carbon rim ahead of Johansson.  With the sprint so closely contested, there was not enough time for a celebratory salute.  Armitstead's teammate, Chantel Blaak claimed third ahead of the rest of those closing from behind.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Professional%20Womens%20Cycling/2761693-15-207546/Painting.html#.VwNT_vkrLIU

Women's Rond:e van Vlaanderen: Off on Their Own

Somehow the peloton let two very powerful women ride off the front on the final ascent of the day.  Emma Johansson (Wiggle High 5) hit the front knowing that she was dragging the World Champion Lizzie Armitstead (Boels Dolmans).  Before the race, Johansson stated in an interview that she was really hoping to add this race to her palmares.  It may not help that it was Armitstead who had gone on the move with her, then again they may be the two who could hold off the peloton.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Professional%20Womens%20Cycling/2761687-14-207546/Painting.html#.VwNRRvkrLIU

Women's Ronde van Vlaanderen: Taking Them Up the Cobbles

With Thalita De Jong (Rabo-Liv) back in the fold, it was time for Boels Doleman to make the race has hard as possible.  Climbing the Kreisberg the pace was pushed by the American National Champion, Megan Guarnier (Boels Dolmans).  Tucked onto her wheel was most of Wiggle High5 ready to launch their own plan.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Professional%20Womens%20Cycling/2761684-13-207546/Painting.html#.VwNM3vkrLIU

Women's Ronde van Vlaanderen: Off the Front

The Women's Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders) started fast and hard, so it was almost a hundred kilometers in before someone managed to escape off the front of the peloton.  It was Thalita De Jong (Rabo LIV) who lead the peloton up the fan lined road.  Unfortunately for De Jong, the peloton had bigger plans and dragged her back into the fold shortly after this was painted.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Professional%20Womens%20Cycling/2761675-12-207546/Painting.html#.VwNJi_krLIU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: The King of Flanders

Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) has shook the curse of the Rainbow Jersey off of his shoulders over the last couple of days.  He had been managing quite a few second places, considerably better than most who experience the curse of the Rainbow, but he has now one two cobbled Belgium races thus far.  This victory is his first in one of the Classics of the sport.  I was struck by the way he made sure to show off the jersey that marks him as the World Champion... Just in case anyone was unsure of his talent.  In the distance, you can see the next two riders on the road, Fabian Cancellara (Trek-Segafredo) and Sep Vanmarcke (LottoNL Jumbo) who finished second and third respectfully.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

Sorry, this painting is already sold!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2760202-307-195767/Painting.html#.VwGiTfkrLIU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: Speeding Up

Frustrated with the pace of the group he had been riding with the former Swiss national champion, Fabian Cancellara (Trek-Segafredo) went off on his own in search of the two remaining men up the road.  It seemed that he actually sped up as he climbed the cobbles of the Paterberg.  At this point the only bike that could stay with the champion time trialist, was the motorcycle that was carrying the TV camera that watched his every move.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2760187-306-195767/Painting.html#.VwGe9_krLIU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: Next on the Road

The next group on the road was being lead by a three time former winner of this race, Fabian Cancellara (Trek-Segafredo).  Tucked onto his wheel was the Dutch Champion, Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quickstep) and two riders who had been in the early break, Imanol Erviti (Movistar) and Dimitri Claeys (Wanty-Groupe Gobert).  Cancellara was hoping to become the first to win the Ronde van Vlaanderen for a fourth time.  He has announced that this will be his final season of racing, so it is now or never, if he hopes to set a new benchmark in Flanders.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2760181-305-195767/Painting.html#.VwGdC_krLIU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: The Perfect Pass

Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) and Sep Vanmarcke (LottoNL Jumbo) along with Michal Kwiatkowski (Sky) managed to catch the five leaders on the road, the trio used the Oude Karnemelk to drop the erstwhile leaders (and Kwiatkowski as well).  At the summit of the climb many teams station soigneurs to pass out bottles or to have replacement wheels at the ready.  Sagan's man made a flawless pass to a very fast moving reigning World Champion.  At this point it was only Vanmarcke who could hold the darling of the peloton's wheel.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2760169-304-195767/Painting.html#.VwGakvkrLIU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: In Pursuit

The Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen) is one of the big races of the early season.  The riders have faced some of these cobbled climbs already this season, but this race is considered one of the Classics.  The race takes on a little extra meaning coming after the terrorist attacks in the capitol of Belgium just two weeks ago.  With a strong group of five riders up the road and only about 30 kilometers left to race, this trio of Peter Sagan (Tinkoff), Michal Kwiatkowski (Sky) and Sep Vanmarcke (LottoNL Jumbo) set off from the peloton in pursuit.  Missing this move were some of the favored riders including the winner from 2015, Alexander Kristoff (Katusha).

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2760145-303-195767/Painting.html#.VwGYJ_krLIU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: Winning Big

Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) claimed his ninth victory for the 2015 season, it was also the ninth victory for Katusha.  Poor Niki Terpstra (Etixx Quickstep) didn't have the legs to get away from the Norwegian and knew full well he would have very little chance of out sprinting the fast man from Katusha.  Terpstra had ridden very smart forcing his rival to stay on the front for the final two kilometers, but even that didn't weaken the on-form Kristoff.  The pair were also smart enough not to play to much cat and mouse strategies knowing full well that Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) and Peter Sagan (Tinkoff Saxo) were riding as hard as they could less than half of a minute behind.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to purchase this piece of original art for only $50 USD.  And yes, international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying discovering bike racing through my writings and paintings be sure to search out my recently published, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France"   Just google the title to find it through your local online bookseller.  It is available world wide so you should be able to avoid international shipping.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2538080---195767/Painting.html#.VSMlv_nF-xU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: Chasing Behind

Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) was joined in the chase by Peter Sagan (Tinkoff Saxo) to catch the fleeing duo up the road.  Sagan, racing for his new team, has yet to produce the results this season that earned him a very fat contract with Tinkoff Saxo.  The team has been having an equally rough time in the early stages of 2015, so both could really use a victory to celebrate.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to purchase this piece of original art for only $50 USD.  And yes, international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying discovering bike racing through my writings and paintings be sure to search out my recently published, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France"   Just google the title to find it through your local online bookseller.  It is available world wide so you should be able to avoid international shipping.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2538076---195767/Painting.html#.VSMjjfnF-xU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: Pushing On

Realizing their mistake in letting Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) and Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quickstep) go, Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) jumped on the pedals on the Paterberg in hopes of chasing the pair down.  Ever vigilante for his team, Zdenek Stybar (Etixx-Quickstep) marked the BMC leader's move, with Geraint Thomas (Sky) and Filippo Pozatto (Lampre Merida) jumping in behind Stybar.  The Swiss flag (and many "We love you, Fabian" signs) were waved even though the three time Swiss winner of the race had crashed out of another race just two weeks earlier.  While their man wasn't there, their spirits (or consumption thereof) was hardly dampened.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to purchase this piece of original art for only $50 USD.  And yes, international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying discovering bike racing through my writings and paintings be sure to search out my recently published, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France"   Just google the title to find it through your local online bookseller.  It is available world wide so you should be able to avoid international shipping.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2538074---195767/Painting.html#.VSMcZ_nF-xU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: A Dangerous Move

As promised, it was the Paterberg where everyone made attempted to make their move, at least those who were still in contention.  After Greipel had been pulled back into the fold, it was yet another sprinter to spring a surprise.  First it was Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quickstep), the winner of last year's Paris Roubaix, who got a jump on the dwindling peloton.  However, it was the sprinter from Katusha, Alexander Kristoff, who covered the Etixx-Quickstep rider's move.  The pair quickly distanced the others, looking to be the move of the day.  They certainly have the power and the pedigree to hold off any of the chasers behind.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to purchase this piece of original art for only $50 USD.  And yes, international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying discovering bike racing through my writings and paintings be sure to search out my recently published, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France"   Just google the title to find it through your local online bookseller.  It is available world wide so you should be able to avoid international shipping.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2538072---195767/Painting.html#.VSMaCPnF-xU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: Catching Them Napping

Lotto Soudal has been riding the Ronde van Vlaanderen most aggressively.  Lars Bak had been up the road earlier and they had three men in the front group after attacking the Paterberg.  It was Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) who surprised the peloton (and me) by attacking on the lead up to the next climb of the day.  He caught them all napping and it was a surprise to see the big German National Champion sprinter attack on a steep ascent.  For all of the classics in Belgium the farmers have been lining the roads with their tractors, although here it is just their black flags on the side of the road, to protest recent EU changes in agricultural regulations.  Today was the first time that they disrupted the start of racing, usually, they just make tons of noise and wave their black flags.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to purchase this piece of original art for only $50 USD.  And yes, international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying discovering bike racing through my writings and paintings be sure to search out my recently published, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France"   Just google the title to find it through your local online bookseller.  It is available world wide so you should be able to avoid international shipping.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2538070---195767/Painting.html#.VSMXLPnF-xU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: Climbing Alone

Lars Bak couldn't hang with the Frenchman, Damien Gaudin (AG2R) as they attacked the feared Paterberg for the first time.  The cobbled climb plays a major role in many of the Northern Classics and the peloton would be climbing this tough steep berg three times today.  Its pave should prove to be where the decisive move of the day would be played out.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to purchase this piece of original art for only $50 USD.  And yes, international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying discovering bike racing through my writings and paintings be sure to search out my recently published, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France"   Just google the title to find it through your local online bookseller.  It is available world wide so you should be able to avoid international shipping.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2538064---195767/Painting.html#.VSMSgvnF-xU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: Up We Go

To paraphrase Phil Ligget, Ronde van Vlaanderen is a race with quite a sting in the tail.  Virtually all of the climbing occurs in the final 70 kilometers of the long, frequently cobbled race of 264 kilometers.  As per usual, an early break went off, but soon fell apart when these two, Lars Bak (Lotto Soudal) and Damien Gaudin (AG2R) road off the front and up the Kalanrieberg.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from the family run art supply company, www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to purchase this piece of original art for only $50 USD.  And yes, international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying discovering bike racing through my writings and paintings be sure to search out my recently published, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France"   Just google the title to find it through your local online bookseller.  It is available world wide so you should be able to avoid international shipping.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2538062-225-222-195767/Painting/Sports.html#.VSMQmfnF-xU