Dauphine, Stage 5: You've Done Good

Teams bring eight riders to the Criterium du Dauphine, each with a particular job to do, each with a 'particular set of skills.'  For Tinkoff, Sergio Paulinho, his job was to set the fastest possible pace on the front of the peloton for as long as possible.  Once he had done all that he could do, he swung off the peloton and dropped back through the group.  As his teammate, Michael Valgren Andersen, road pass him he reached out and patted his exhausted friends shoulder, telling him that he had, "Done good."  Riding to the right of the pair from Tinkoff is the former winner of the Giro d'Italia, Ryder Hesjedal (Trek-Segafredo), the man with the best name in professional cycling (well first name anyway).

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/Criterium%20du%20Dauphine/2806606-65-185083/Painting.html#.V1u1RPkrLIU

Tour de France, Stage 15: All Back Together

As the two escapees swung in to the Rhone Valley, along the banks of the river, it wasn't much longer before they were reeled back in by the peloton.  Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) and Matteo Trentin (Etixx Quickstep) knew it was a long shot to stay away, but they still couldn't have been pleased to see the front wheels of the peloton on the valley road.  With Mark Cavendish (Etixx Quickstep) off the pack of the peloton by over ten minutes, every sprinter was feeling that they finally had a chance to take out a stage victory.  Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) road on the front with the help of Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) winding up the pace for their respective sprinters.  I don't understand why everyone was excited to have Cavendish gone, the sprinter who has more stage wins in this Tour, was still near the front of the peloton, Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal).

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quller brushes from the family run art supply company, Jack Richeson & Company, www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting and all of my Tour de France cycling art is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay however, since this is an original one of a kind work of art, when it has been sold, there won't be another one to be had.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2582220---210122/Painting.html#.Vav85PlViko

Tour de France, Stage 15, Chasing Through Town

With the peloton closing in on the early break of the day, first Matteo Trentin (Etixx Quickstep) took off in search of a stage victory.  Shortly afterwards a former winner of the Giro d'Italia, Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) took off in search of the Italian.  More likely than not, the effort by the two men was a fool's errand, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.  And it is true that two men together will be able to sustain a longer effort than either one going it alone.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quller brushes from the family run art supply company, Jack Richeson & Company, www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting and all of my Tour de France cycling art is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay however, since this is an original one of a kind work of art, when it has been sold, there won't be another one to be had.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2582202---210122/Painting.html#.Vav6b_lViko

Giro Stage 20: Something to Fight For

This group had managed to drop Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) along with some others whose absence would effect the general classification for most of this very select quintet.  Fabio Aru (Astana) with his teammate on his wheel were over four minutes behind the Maglia Rosa, so while they were gaining time on Contador, it was unrealistic to think that one of them might actually reclaim the coveted Pink Fleece.  For Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) this group meant that he now has a very real chance of finishing in the top five, two minutes more and he might even make the top four.  For the yellow clad Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Soudal) he was looking for that elusive stage win, and even had a long shot at reclaiming his Maglia Azzurro.  Finally, Rigoberto Uran (Etixx Quickstep) was reclaiming his honor, health, and had the strongest sprint of the group and could therefore honestly hope for the first stage win for himself and his team.

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.  In addition, this painting is available for purchase from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But be advised, this is a one of a kind painting, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2561508---184157/Painting.html#.VWqxvs9Viko

Giro Stage 20: A Monster of a Ride

The final section of the penultimate climb of the Giro was some of the worst surfaces for bike racing, out done only by the famed pave sections of Paris Roubaix.  However this road was also on a 10% average gradient, whereas those of Northern France are straight and flat.  Both race courses come with thousands of yelling, costumed fans, many of whom are considerable less than sober as well.  Today the peloton found it self negotiating the winds and exposed crags above the tree line and into the remaining pockets of last winter's snow.  Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) has truly come into his own over the last week of the Giro, climbing not only mountains but the general classifications standing as well.  Tucked onto the resurgent Canadian's wheel is another who's final days of the Giro are far superior to the opening days, Rigoberto Uran (Etixx Quickstep).  Both men should move even further up the GC based on their efforts today.

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.  In addition, this painting is available for purchase from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But be advised, this is a one of a kind painting, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2561498---184157/Painting.html#.VWqrYM9Viko

Giro Stage 20: Hard Ride & Bad Road

The final day of climbing for the 98th Giro d'Italia feature a very long, steep climb to the highest point of the entire race.  The final section of the climb of the Colle Delle Finestre was a 10 kilometer stretch of unpaved, dusty, rutted one lane track that challenged the riders stability and their climbing legs.  Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo) worked hard to keep those he had dropped earlier from catching back onto his wheel.  At his point, Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) was closing back to the Dutchman.  Hesjedal had the Maglia Rosa of Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) glued onto his wheel, with the Astana duo of Fabio Aru and Mikel Landa just behind the man in pink.  It seems cruel that the 30 kilometer banner should be sponsored by an Italian beer company.  I am sure most of the peloton was lusting for a cold beer after a long, hot, dusty day in the saddle.  Bicycling Magazine claims that a beer after a hard ride is a perfect recovery drink.

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.  In addition, this painting is available for purchase from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But be advised, this is a one of a kind painting, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2561494---184157/Painting.html#.VWqnnc9Viko

Giro Stage 20: Attacking the Mountain

Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo) has been having a "almost" Giro.  The Dutchman has been in multiple breakaways that have succeed all the way to the line, although he has only managed a second place on each of two stages.  One of those second places put him into the lead of the King of the Mountains competition, only to have the Blue Jersey taken from him yesterday by Giovanni Visconti (Movistar).  Today he was hell bent on taking back the jersey and claiming a stage victory.  On the last remaining stretch of hard surface road on the way up the Colle Delle Finestre, Kruijswijk attacked those that were left of the breakaway.  With Tanel Kangert (Astana) stuck on his wheel, he managed to escape from both Benat Intxuasti (Movistar) and Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin).  With seven more kilometers to the summit of this climb and then another 12 kilometers of climbing up to the mountain top finish, it was a tall order to achieve both of his goals for the day.

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.  In addition, this painting is available for purchase from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But be advised, this is a one of a kind painting, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2561486---184157/Painting.html#.VWqk5c9Viko

Giro Stage 19: Fighting for the Stage

Surprisingly, it was Fabio Aru (Astana) that was able to go with the quickly escaping Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin).  Equally unsuspected was Mikel Landa (Astana), Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) and Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo) who couldn't respond (or chose not to) to the duo's assault on the final climb of the day.  Aru's counter attack shucked the lanky Canadian from his wheel and go on to claim his first stage in the 98th Giro d'Italia.  The victory had to sooth some of the bruising had taken over the last couple of days.  I'm sure it left in no doubt who the rightful team leader should be on the Kazakhstani team.  For his part, Hesjedal moved himself further up the standings, but had to accept second place on the stage.  He can celebrate moving from 9th overall up to 7th even if he didn't get to raise his arms in victory at the line in Cervinia.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson and Company.  They are a small family run art supply company out of Wisconsin with really great art products.  You can learn more about them at www.richesonart.com.  This painting is also available through my artist website for only $50 USD, plus shipping.  The website is www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

Apparently, my website has decided it doesn't want to share my paintings today.  If you are interested in purchasing the painting, please email me at greigsart@gmail.com.

Giro Stage 19: He's the First to Attack

Once the elite of the 98th Giro d'Italia had put Giovanni Visconti (Movistar) and Pavel Kochetkov (Katusha) back into the peloton (and right back out the other end), those on the business end of affairs knew that there was a stage victory for the one who could get away.  Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) has just been getting stronger and stronger as the Giro nears its final stage.  With about 10 kilometer to the summit and the finish line on the day, he was the first to jump away from the those on the top of the leader board.  Hesjedal was in the position to move further up the GC himself since the man ahead of him by seven seconds was already over a minute behind this talent group.  The first to try and counter the Canadian's move was the Maglia Rosa himself, Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo).  Once Contador chased, Mikel Landa and his teammate, Fabio Aru (Astana) along with the Maglia Azurro, Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo) had to jump onto the Spaniard's wheel.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson and Company.  They are a small family run art supply company out of Wisconsin with really great art products.  You can learn more about them at www.richesonart.com.  This painting is also available through my artist website for only $50 USD, plus shipping.  The website is www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

Apparently, my website has decided it doesn't want to share my paintings today.  If you are interested in purchasing the painting, please email me at greigsart@gmail.com.

Giro Stage 18: Come On, Do a Bit of Work

First, it is truly amazing just how much stronger Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) is getting in the final days of the 98th Giro d'Italia.  Today, the Canadian chased down Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) as the man in the Maglia Rosa was trying to put as much time into his rivals as possible.  Near the summit of the Monte Olongo, the duo caught up to Davide Villella (Cannondale Garmin).  As the now trio headed down the other side of the mountain, Hesjedal was frustrated that Contador would not pull through and do a bit of the work.  Contador had less to gain, but should have been willing to assist the Cannondale Garmin boys.  Contador could stretch his lead and Hesjedal was looking to move up a couple of places on the GC.  With the pair sharing rivals, it seemed to Hesjedal that they should be allies for the day.

It was a nice touch that this debate took place as they sped pass race fans who had taken the time to festoon the road with pink balloons and hand made decorations.  The Giro often feels like a big pink rolling party.

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,  They are a lovely family run art supply business with some really fine products.  This painting is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2560834---184157/Painting.html#.VWfacM_BzGc

Giro Stage 16: Off on His Own

Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) used his descending skills to leave his breakaway companions and head off on his own.  The Canadian but two minutes between himself and the rest of those on the road as he climbed up to Aprica for the first time.  The course took the peloton through the early ski town before swinging back down to the valley and up the biggest climb of the Giro.  The competitors would then drop back off of the Passo del Mortirolo before climbing back up to Aprica for the second time.  This time their long day of five categorized would be over.  Along the road various race sponsors will set up inflatable advertisements like this one celebrating the bike saddle company, Selle Italia.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson and Company, www.richesonart.com.  The 4"x6" painting is available from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular art work for $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2559962---184157/Painting.html#.VWUG7_lViko

Giro Stage 16: Working Their Way Up

It was certain that there would be an early breakaway.  The sixteenth stage of the 98th Giro d'Italia started with a 14 kilometer climb to the top of Campo Carlo Magno.  This rather large group got away from the peloton on the climb and then pressed on on the descent.  Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) led the group that included Przemyslaw Niemiee (Lampre), Brent Bookwalter (BMC) and Edoardo Zardini (Bardiani CSF) among others.  Hesjedal has been showing all that he gets stronger and stronger as a Grand Tour enters the final week.  The riders faced rather cold and wet conditions, but nothing like the snow storms that have plagued the Giro in the previous two years.  That was by design, the race has stayed below the snow line, although just barely today.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson and Company, www.richesonart.com.  The 4"x6" painting is available from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular art work for $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2559958---184157/Painting.html#.VWUE1vlViko

Giro Stage 15: Hunting Alone

Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) apparently got frustrated with the slow pace of the chasing group that was two minutes behind the Gruppo Maglia Rosa.  He sprang out of the group of chasers and went off alone in hopes of catching those up the road.  At this point on the long straightaway he can just see them making the sweeping right turn.  Hesjedal is not having the best of Giro's, certainly not coming close to his overall victory in 2012.  Sadly, this is as close as the Canadian got to the Maglia Rosa both the wearer or perhaps the chance of wearing it.

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.  They are a small family run art supply company that have incredible quality art supplies.  You can find them on the web at www.richesonart.com.  This painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  All of my small cycling watercolors are $50 USD plus shipping (including international shipping), including this one.  While you are at the website, why not take the time to look at all of the artwork on offer?

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2559470---184157/Painting.html#.VWKEk_lViko

Giro Stage 11: Pushing On

The penultimate trip up the climb above the Autodromo was the only time King of the Mountain points would be awarded.  Although none of this group, Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin), Carlos Betancur (AG2R), Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha) among others, where interested in gaining the points.  They were far more interested in claiming a stage of the Giro to add to the Palmares.  However, it was Zakarin who jumped out of the group, claimed the points and then pressed on with his attack.

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, www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting is available for purchase for only $50 USD through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But to hurry, this is a one of a kind painting and when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2557446---184157/Painting.html#.VV1SJvlViko

Giro Stage 9: Chasing Group

While watching the television coverage, the second group on the road (assuming it isn't the peloton) is always referred to as the "chasing group".  Although, I am not so sure this group is doing any serious chasing at this point.  Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) is policing the break away making sure none of the group mounts a concerted chase after his teammate, Tom Jelte Slagter, who is on the ride of his life a minute and a half up the road.  Some of the others in the break include two men who road in the break yesterday, Carlos Betancur (AG2R) and Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo).  That pair was joined in the futile effort by Amael Moinard (BMC) and Simon Geschke (Giant Alpecin).  I am struck by how frequently I see Hesjedal adjusting his jersey.  Is he just too tall to get a good fit?  He seems to always be pulling the waist band back down.

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, www.richesonart.com.  This painting is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  International shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2555458---184157/Painting.html#.VVj1sCFViko

Dauphine Stage 4: In Search of Time

The next to attack the Malliot Jeune and the rest of the peloton was Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin Sharp), perhaps hoping to atone for his miserable ascent of the Col du Beal the day before.  He was quickly joined by two riders who saw a chance to take time out of Team Sky and Chris Froome.  They were TeJay Van Garderen (BMC) and Maxime Bouet (AG2R), their efforts were not in vain, both gained 39 seconds on Froome and moved themselves into 19th and 7th respectively.  It seems that Team Sky played the descent of the Col du Manse conservatively figuring that those ahead would not be able to gain too much time, and that the closest on the GC where still with him in the peloton.  This is an original small 4"x6"watercolor and ink painting that could be yours through my artist website.  To purchase this particular painting, follow the direct link at the end of this post to get your original art from the 66th Criterium du Dauphine. 

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Dauphine%202014/2387302---199476/Painting.html#.U6JDJM_D_IU

Dauphine Stage 2: Too Many Kilometers

While he is not the only one in the race, Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin Sharp) has just finished the Giro d'Italia and found that the kilometers he already has in his legs added to the final climb of today's stage were just a little bit too much.  At his point he can still see the peloton up the road, but try has he might, he just can't get back on their wheels.  His only comfort was that those who had been riding tempo for their leaders were sliding back faster than he was.  This is an original small watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com  To purchase this painting from the 66th Criterium du Dauphine just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Good luck but don't delay, you wouldn't want to miss your chance.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Dauphine%202014/2387172---199476/Painting.html#.U6Iogs_D_IU

Giro d'Italia Stage 16: The Stage & the Jersey

Wow!  That is about all that needs to be said about Nairo Quintana's (Movistar) performance today.  And the same can be said for the man a few seconds behind him, Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin Sharp).  Having battle illness through the first two thirds of the Giro, Quintana has been chipping away at the leads of those ahead of him on GC.  While there will be quite a few discussions about his attacking the descent of the Stelvio, it can't be denied that he rode away from everyone on the final climb.  Even if he had been with Evans and Uran, I am sure he would have gotten away regardless.  Maybe his lead might have been less, but he earned his new pink jersey with authority.  Coincidently, he alos took the lead in the Maglia Blanco as the rider 23 and under with the best time.  In 2013, he won that jersey and the King of the Mountains Polka Dot Jersey in the Tour de France.  Ryder earned a couple of moves up the GC for his ride and Rolland managed to get third on the stage, still looking for the elusive stage win.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this particular painting follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d'Italia%202014/2370898---198213/Painting.html#.U4U4D8_D_IU

Giro d'Italia Stage 16: Hanging with the Little Guys

Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin Sharp), who won the Giro d'Italia in 2012, was a good bit larger than the two climbers he teamed up with at the front of the race.  But he knew he had caught the right wheels for the day, Pierre Rolland (Europcar) had been attacking every stage and was still in search of a stage victory, and, Nairo Quintana (Movistar) was on a tear, looking to gain as much time on all of the GC contenders he possibly could.  At this point on the lower slopes of the final climb he was only forty seconds down on Uran after starting a two and a half minutes down on his fellow Colombian.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard measuring 4"x6" and is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com for only $50 USD.  For this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d'Italia%202014/2370878---198213/Painting.html#.U4Uytc_D_IU

Giro d'Italia Stage 16: With the Most to Gain

First Dario Cataldo (Team Sky) then a number of others including Movistar and Nairo Quintana (Movistar) decided to race down the mountain.  Apparently the weather warmed at the summit, and while the roads were dangerous and wet, they were not icy.  At some point the decision was made to let the riders race.  And race they did!  Pierre Rolland (Euorpcar), Nairo Quintana, and Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin Sharp) amongst others got a gap on the Gruppa Maglia Rosa, and then pressed their advantage as the valley floor gave way to the final climb.  Quintana started the day two and a half minutes down on Rigoberto Uran (OPQS) and his Maglia Rosa.  Rolland was hovering at the bottom end of the top ten, but both men had a lot to gain by getting as far up the road as possible.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d'Italia%202014/2370872---198213/Painting.html#.U4Uve8_D_IU