Giro Stage 7: No Time to Celebrate

Most stages end with a happy, triumphant victory salute to the crowds.  However, there are occasions when the sprint is so hotly contested that the victor has no time to raise his arms in celebration.  Diego Ulissi (Lampre Merida) had to content himself with the traditional salute after he had secured the victory.  He just held off Juan Lobato (Movistar) although he did have a bigger advantage over Manuel Belletti (Southeast) and Enrico Battaglin and Sonny Colbrelli both of Baridani-CSF.  I have lost count of how many stages have been taken by an Italian, but they are certainly making a strong showing at their home Tour.

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 and all of my cycling art is 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.  And yes, international shipping is available.  Do act quickly to get your own piece of the 98th Giro d'Italia.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2554772---184157/Painting.html#.VVbxGSFViko

Giro Stage 6: One for the Gorilla

I am not being mean, "Gorilla," is Andre Greipel's (Lotto Soudal) nickname, one he embraces as his own.  Whenever there is a flat straight shot to the line, you can count on the German National Champion being the odds on favorite.  Behind the shadow of the big German were Sacha Modolo (Lampre Merida) as well as Manuel Belletti and Alessandro Pettachi (Southeast).  The sprint for the line was marred by a spectator trying to get a photograph of the charging peloton,  One of the riders clipped the erstwhile photographer and went down hard.  The video of the man writhing in pain from a dislocated elbow was way too disturbing.  Along with his hitting the deck a large number of others kissed the pavement, including the wearer of the Magila Rosa, Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo).  As I am writing this, I don't know if Contador will be able to start stage 7.  He was unable to open the traditional bottle of proscecco, donned his Pink Jersey or give the two armed wave from the podium.

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.  You can find all of their wonderful art supplies at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  All of the cycling art sells for only $50 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2554288---184157/Painting.html#.VVV3uyFViko

Giro Stage 3: Tickled Pink

Winning a stage in one of the three Grand Tours is a rare moment in any professional cyclist career. To win one while wearing the Tour's leader's jersey is a special moment indeed.  So it was for Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEdge) as he threw his arms wide in the pure joy of the accomplishment.  Matthews held off Fabio Felline (Trek Factory Racing) and Philippe Gilbert (BMC).  Gilbert had been collecting points and bonus seconds along the road apparently targeting the  Giro's Sprinter's Jersey (although he didn't make it into this painting).  Just missing the podium in Sestri Levante is Francesco Gavazzi (Southeast).

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/2553050---184157/Painting.html#.VVGNWiHBzGc

Gent Wevelgem: Is He Attacking?

The Spring Cobbled Classics seem to be as much about the weather as the road surface this year.  Gent Wevelgem proved to be no exception, but decided to add extremely strong winds to the equation.  The early break away comprised six riders who gain as much as eight minutes on the peloton before the sprinters' teams decided to reel them back in.  Mirko Tedeeschi (Southeast) looks over at Alex Dowsett (Movistar) trying to decide if the Brit was starting to attack or just stretching his legs in the cold.  Oblivious to all but the job at hand, Pavel Brutt (Tinkoff Saxo) keeps his head down and his pedals turning over leading the others, Tim Kerkhoff (Roompot), Alexis Gougeard (AG2R) and Albert Timmer (Giant Alpecin) across the rain soaked cobbles.

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 through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $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/Spring%20Classics%20/2534692---195767/Painting.html#.VRmBCfnF-xU