Tour '25, Stage 3: Heartbreak Is the End of His Tour

Under normal circumstances, I never paint the crashes the plaque the Tour de France (and bike racing in general).  But this one will affect the rest of this race.  As the peloton ramped up to sprint of sprint points at the intermediate sprint in Isbergues, another sprinter bounced off of a lead out main on a third team.  His loss of control took out the front wheel of Jasper Philipsen (Alepcin-Deceuninck) has he prepared to add to his lead in the race for the Maillot Vert while wearing the green skin suit.  He went down hard onto his back.  Since it was at high speed, he scraped off not only his kit but quite a bit of skin too.  His teammate Gianni Veermeersch held his bike as he tried to help his sprinter.  Another of his teammates, Silvan Dillier came back to be ready to help pace Philipsen back into the peloton.  Alas, there was no remounting for the Belgium sprinter.  It was clear that he had broken or dislocated his shoulder.  I learned later that he also broke two ribs as well.  So, in just the blink of an eye, his Tour was over.

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.

"Heartbreak Is the End of His Tour TdF25-15" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 1: The Job at Hand

With a small but strong breakaway up the road, it fell to the teams of the sprinters to keep them honest.  It seemed that every time we saw the front of the peloton it was the two-time USA National Champion, Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) as his team's sole representative keeping the escapees in check.  He was joined in the effort by the lion share of Alpecin-Deceunick with Silvan Dillier doing most of his team's workload.  With 165 kilometers to race, it was the Stars and Stripes jersey that started pulling down the two-and-a-half-minute gap up to the five-man breakaway.

With the Tour starting the day after July 4th, this will have to do as my patriotic July 4th painting.

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.

"The Job at Hand TdF25-1" (Original art by Greig Leach)

I am happy to say that this painting has sold!

UCI Worlds, Zurich 2024, Elite Men's Road Race: Checking Everyone Out

As the home team rider, Silvan Dillier (Switzerland) swings off the front of the breakaway, he looks at each of his five companions in turn.  He had been chatting quite a bit with the second guy in line, Rui Oliveira (Portugal) for a number of kilometers.  I do think he was trying to judge if Oliviera, along with Luc Wirtgen (Luxembourg), Tobias Foss (Norway), Simon Geschke (Germany) and Piotr Pekala (Poland) have the legs to take this break deep into the race.  At this point they do have three minutes on the peloton, but they have 213 kilometers left to race.  They haven't gotten to the start of the seven-lap circuit in and around Zurich yet.  But as Dillier and Geschke both know, you have got to roll the dice and go in the break to have any chance of winning the day against the favorites of the men's peloton.

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.

"Checking Everyone Out Z24-7" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 5: The Tractor Swings Off

With the intermediate sprint coming in just four kilometers and another 58 kilometers it was time for Tim Declercq (Lidl-Trek) to get on with his job of chasing down the break away.  He was getting help from Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Deceunick) in the effort.  The two are both know as break away killers, and they seemed to be living up to their names.  On their wheels sits one of the Americans in the race, Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike).  His job is to look after his team leader, keeping him safe in the peloton and out of the wind.  There is no chance that the break will be caught by the intermediate sprint, but everyone is confident that escapees will be swept up before the sprint in Aoste.

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. 

"The Tractor Swings Off TdF24-24" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour de France 23, Stage 11: Hiding in the Peloton

I had been talking about how there was one team that I have yet to paint in this year's Tour.  I was explaining that they haven't really factored in a stage yet.  I also pointed out that I haven't seen them on the tail of the peloton, nor driving the pace at the front.  They have remained hidden thus far.  Shortly afterward the helicopter camera caught Sam Welsford (DSM Firmenich) and his teammate the American Kevin Vermaerke hiding in the middle of the peloton.  Welsford is the sprinter on the team, so not being anywhere near the front with 76 kilometers to race is wise. To his left is the sprinter for Arkea-Samsic, Luca Mozzato, and ahead on his right is the European Champion Fabio Jakobsen, the sprinter for Soudal-Quick Step.  Others tucked in with him and his team are Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and the leader of Groupama-FDJ, Romain Bardet.  I doubt Bardet will be sprinting it out with those around him in Moulins.

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

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3965094-64-297438/Painting/hiding-in-the-peloton-tdf23-64.html

TDF, Stage 19: Attacking the Break

It was a large group of 20 that had left the peloton far behind.  The problem for the break away is that is too many to have everyone keep working together all the way to the finish.  Just after Phil Liggett and Bob Roll had been discussing who would be the one to go off the front, it was in fact Jasper Stuyven (Trek-Segafredo) that went off the front as predicted.  His attack was chased down by Silvan Dillier (Alpecin-Fenix) with Brent Van Moer (Lotto Soudal) and Georg Zimmermann (Intermache-Wanty Gobert) joining in the chase.  This attack was neutralized, but now everyone would be trying to get away until it eventually works.  With the peloton almost eleven minutes behind, the stage winner was going to be one of these guys in the break.  That meant all the more reason to try and get off the front.

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 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/2021-Tour-de-France/3824342-126-291436/Painting/attacking-the-break-tdf21-125.html

Tour, Final Stage: Still Surviving

This group of six were managing to survive off of the front of the peloton for much longer than expected.  Taylor Phinney (EF Educaton First) got back into the group after his mechanical.  He was being led around the l'Arc de Triomphe by Sylvain Dillier (Ag2r La Mondiale).  The others lining out behind were Stefan Kung (BMC), Guillaume Martin (Wanty Groupe-Gobert), Nils Politt (Katusha-Alpecin) and Damien Gaudin (Direct Energie).  While it is unlikely that the peloton and the sprinters therein would let them stay away, miracles can happen.

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/Tour-de-France-2018/3196317-118-251072/PaintingStill-Surviving--T-18-117.html

Paris Roubaix: A Monumental Win

You know I wasn't going to paint a whole race without slipping at least on pun in a title...

With the chasers unable to close the space between themselves and this duo of Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Silvan Dillier (Ag2r La Mondiale), it was not a surprise to see Sagan out sprint the last member of the days early break.  Immediately after this victory salure, Sagan reached out to congratulate Dillier and to thank him.  Had it not been for Dillier's efforts, it is certain that Sagan would have been caught.  This is the first time the wearer of the Rainbow Jersey has won Paris Roubaix since Miguel Indurain did it in 1981.  Let's hope that Sagan will continue to build on Indurain's achievements.  Chapeau!

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.

This painting is sold!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3141719-413-195767/PaintingA-Monumental-Win--PR18-10.html

Paris Roubaix: On to the Velodrome

Down to just two riders, it was the more experienced Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) that got to the back as Silvan Dillier (Ag2r La Mondiale) let them onto the Velodrome.  With less than a kilometer to go Dillier has now been off the front of the peloton for over 200 kilometers.  Regardless of the finale, it would be a long shot if he were to out sprint Sagan, he has ridden a brilliant Paris Roubaix.  The roar of the crowd as one of cycling's favorites road into the arena was near deafening.  It is now clear that the chasers just didn't have the legs to bring back the World Champion.

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-/3141716-412-195767/PaintingOn-to-the-Velodrome--PR18-9.html

Paris Roubaix: With the Leaders

Now with just 36 kilometers left to race, the early break away had dropped to just two riders, Jelle Wallays (Lotto Soudal) and Silvan Dillier (Ag2r La Mondiale).  However, they have now been joined by the Rainbow Jersey of Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe).  This trio was now adding to its advantage over the chasing peloton.  With only a minute's advantage, it seems likely that they won't be arriving on the velodrome without the others, but this is Paris Roubaix, and there are still some very rough sections of pave to traverse.

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-/3141704-410-195767/PaintingGo,-Go,-Go!--PR18-6.html

Paris-Roubaix: Hoping to Get There First

If it is racing, it is an early break away.  Today it was a group that swelled to nine riders that build up an eight and a half minute lead on the rather relaxed peloton.  That would all change as soon as the first of the 29 sections of pave were reached in Troisvilles just another nine kilometers up the road.  A couple of those at the back of the group included the Swiss National Champion, Silvan Dillier (Ag2r La Mondiale), Marc Soler (Movistar), Jay Thomson (Dimension Data) and Ludovic Robeet along with his teammate JImmy Duquenny (WB Aqua Protect).  With a single day race, the rules of thumb go out the window when it comes to a break's success or eventual failure.

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-/3141631-405-195767/PaintingHoping-to-Get-There-First-PR18-1.html

Giro, Stage 15: Chasing Behind

After the group split up, these four found themselves trying to chase back on to the leaders as they climbed the Miragolo san Salvatore.  Silvan Dillier (BMC) was leading them up in hopes of salvaging something out of the Giro for his team.  On his wheel are Enrico Battaglin (LottoNL-Jumbo), Simone Petilli (UAE Team Emirates), and Eugeny Shalunov (Gazprom-Rusvelo).  Watching their efforts is one of the race officials making sure that no one is using any disallowed assistance to rejoin the leaders.  Plus the officials will keep an eye on the media motos making sure they don't interfere with the progress (or lack thereof) of the chase.

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.

With the racing of the 100th Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in helping this book get made, please consider backing the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included. With Kickstarter, if there is not a 100% funded, no one is charged a dime, and the project recieves 0% funding.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2970701-95-235247/PaintingChasing-Behind-G17-103.html

Giro, Stage 6: One on One

The final sprint was first launched by Silvan Dillier (BMC) and was quickly covered by Jasper Stuyven (Trek-Segafredo).  Try as he might, Lukas Postlberger (Bora-Hansgrohe) just didn't have anything left in the legs to go with the last of his break away companions.  Dillier was able to hold of Stuyven as they sprinted stroke for stroke for the last hundred meters.  As they crossed the line each used their arms to show their emotions, one slamming the bars, the other throwing his arms wide.  All of it was watched by the race commissare standing up through his car's sunroof.

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.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2965218-43-235247/PaintingOne-on-One-G17-43.html

Giro, Stage 6: Ultimo Chilometro

As the remaining trio from the break approached the red kite informing them that there was only on kilometer left to race, they were starting to size each other up.  Silvan Dillier (BMC), Jasper Stuyven (Trek-Segafredo) and Lukas Postlberger (Bora-Hansgrohe) were trying to decide who had anything left, or who was going to jump first.  They had to be a little careful while they slowed to play some cat and mouse, Simone Andreetta (Bardiani-CSF) wasn't too far behind them, and the peloton was closing fast on the Italian.  It would be a heartbreak to come up empty handed because they were too worried about who would be on what step of the podium.

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.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2965207-42-235247/PaintingUltimo-Chilometro-G17-43.html

Giro, Stage 6: Hoping for Another One

Lukas Postlberger (Bora-Hansgrohe) was hoping to ride away from his break away companions to win the stage, just had he had ridden away from the peloton on the first stage of the Giro.  Then he won the stage, the Maglia Rosa, the Maglia Ciclamino, and the Maglia Blanca.  Today he will be hard pressed to take any jersey should he actually escape from Simone Andreetta (Bardiani-CSF), Jasper Stuyven (Trek-Segafredo) or Silvan Dillier (BMC).

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.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2965116-41-235247/PaintingHoping-for-Another-One-G17-42.html

Giro, Stage 6: In With a Chance

The early five man break had the mathematical rule of thumb on their side today.  The standard thinking on all but a mountain stage is that the break needs a minute on the peloton for every ten kilometes left to race.  By that standard, this break away of Simone Andreetta (Bardiani-CSF), Lukas Postlberger (Bora-Hansgrohe), Silvan Dillier (BMC) and both Mads Pedersen and Jasper Stuyven with Trek-Segafredo, were going to make it all the way to the line.  The quintet had five minutes and one second on the group of Maglia Rosa and they had only 50.1 kilometers left to go.

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.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2965071-38-235247/PaintingIn-With-a-Chance-G17-39.html

Giro, Stage 4: Little Help

As the peloton started up the side of the Etna volcanic slopes, the group came to a near stop.  Tejay van Garderen (BMC) had to stop.  In order not to fall he unclipped his pedals. Admit it, we have all taken a fall while unable to unclip.  Tejay's teammates, Silvan Dillier and Joey Ross Kopf helped their leader get back going as he clipped back in.  Riders are not allowed to push each other up climbs, but this was more like a mechanic pushing a rider after a mechanical.  Van Garderen quickly pedaled away to ride with all of the GC hopefuls.

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.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2964210-28-235247/PaintingLittle-Help-G17-28.html

Giro Stage 5: A Big Welcome

For many small towns along the route, the Giro's arrival is most likely the biggest event to ever happen for miles around.  It seems like every inhabitant of Poggio turned out to see the arrival of the five man breakaway.  I'm sure they stayed to cheer every single member of the peloton, remaining until the broom wagon had passed them by.  Today seemed to be the perfect day to be in the break with the peloton letting these men gain almost eleven minutes.  The best placed member of the group is over nineteen minutes behind the Maglia Rosa of Simon Clarke (Orica GreenEdge).  As they rolled through the cheering crowd, Jan Polanc (Lampre Merida), Silvan Dillier (BMC), Sylvain Chavanel (IAM Cycling), Axel Domont (AG2R) and Seghei Tvetcov (Androni Giocattoli) could entertain thoughts of taking a stage in the 98th edition of the Giro d'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.  They are a lovely family run business that has incredible art supplies for professionals and hobbyist alike.  In addition, this painting (and all of my cycling art) is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, 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/2553582---184157/Painting.html#.VVPRgCHBzGc

Giro Stage 3: A Helping Hand

Bike racing is a team sport, and that plays out in many different ways.  For Luca Chirico (Bardiani CSF), it was his teammate, Eduardo Zardini, who reached out and gave Luca a push when the diminutive Italian had a problem with his gears.  Silvan Dillier (BMC) kept a sharp eye on the Bardiani men making sure that their efforts didn't entangle him or disrupt his rhythm on the climb.  Sure enough, the Swiss rider was forced to break to avoid Chirico, before the little man got his bike functioning again.

This is an original small watercolor and ink painting that is available for purchase through my artists website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post to get your piece of the 98th Giro d'Italia.  International shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2553042---184157/Painting.html#.VVGCsSHBzGc