The finale of the 12th stage atop Alpe d'Huez was a bit uncommon. Normally, it is a sole rider that comes to the summit with a big gap on all of his competitors. Today that should have been Steven Kruijswijk (Lotto NL Jumbo) but he was caught by the big boys on GC with about 3 kilometers left to race. At one point the foursome of Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb), Geraint Thomas & Chris Froome (Sky) and Romain Bardet (Ag2r La Mondiale) were riding four abreast, waiting to see who would go first. It was Bardet. While these four were shadow boxing, Mikel Landa (Movistar), rejoined and two more riders were fast closing in. It was looking like it was going to be a bunch sprint on a mountain top finish.
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.
Pierre Rolland (EF Education First) left the lead break away group in the valley, just after the feed zone. There is some controversary that he attacked as his breakaway companions were rooting through their musettes. Rolland jumped free and went up the Lacets de Montvernier on his own. He was on a campaign to repeat his stage win atop the Alpe d'Huez. Problem is he has another big challenge of the Col de la Croix Fer before he even reaches the base of d'Huez.
This is the painting from today's stage that you can watch come to life both here, and on my YouTube Channel. I hope you will become a subscriber to the channel and check back daily for the remaining nine stages of the Tour.
