Ronde van Vlaanderen '25: Visma Chases

Having missed being able to go with the attack on the Oude Kwaremont, Visma-Lease a Bike was forced to chase.  They had the numbers to bring back the leading trio, so it was Wout van Aert, Matteo Jorgenson, and Tiesj Benoot riding hard together.  They were joined in the effort by two of the former attackers, Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) and Jasper Stuyven (Lidl-Trek).  Despite their collective best efforts, only van Aert was able to rejoin the front of the race, with the others remaing the second group on the road.

Another spoiler, while he did rejoin the leaders, van Aert finished fourth on the day, just off of the podium.  I should point out that his teammates Benoot and Jorgenson finished sixth and 47th respectively.  Kung ended up seventh and Stuyven was fifth.

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.

"Visma Chases RVV25-5" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Ronde van Vlaanderen '25: Counter Move

With the early breakaway still up the road, these four decided it was time for a counter move.  I believe it was Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) who set things off.  He was joined by Vito Braet (Intermache-Wanty), Davide Ballerini (XDS-Astana) and the ever watchful Tiesj Benoot (Visma-Lease a Bike).  Benoot knew that if this group could join the leaders, it would put his team at an advantage when it came to the closing kilometers of the race.  With 101 kilometers yet to race, they were a little over a minute behind the lead group and they had about three quarters of a minute on the rather large peloton behind.

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.

"Counter Move RVV25-1" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Men's Road Race: Who Do We Have Now?

Valentin Madouas (France) looks over his shoulder to see who is in this chase group with him.  He finds a dangerous Remco Evenepoel (Belgium) along with Stefan Kung (Suisse), Marco Haller (Austria), and Fred Wright (Great Britain).  The group has built a bit of an advantage over what is left of the main peloton with another 34 kilometers to race through the streets of Paris.  They are still chasing on man, Ben Healy (Ireland) who is still holding them off by about thirty seconds.  

Since there won't be another painting of Madouas today, I should tell you that he was able to take the Silver Medal for France, making that the third Silver in this event in the history of these Games.  They have yet to win a Gold Medal.

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. 

"Who Do We Have Now? PO240-55" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Roubaix ‘24: Leading for Now

After a flurry of attacks on the previous pave sectors, this threesome got away.  It was started by Gianni Vermeersch (Alpecin-Deceuninck) who was quickly joined by Nils Politt (UAE Team Emirates) and Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ).  Politt had been having a tough go, but once he had the near miss (see my early post) he was on fire.  With 73 kilometers to go, the trio has built up a twenty two second lead on the group of favorites behind.  All three have at least one teammate in the group behind, so it will be left to others to chase them down.

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/Spring-Classics-/4008483-570-195767/Painting/leading-for-now.-pr24-11.html

Paris Roubaix 23: Glued Together

 The front group contained the two main favorites for this year’s Paris Roubaix.  Try as each might, the others were sticking tight to the other’s wheels.  Matthieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) used his power over the cobbles to put the others into jeopardy.  However, Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) was glued to the Dutchman’s wheel.  Van Der Poel, did have a teammate with him, Jasper Philipsen, to aid in his team leader’s efforts.  On Philipsen’s wheel is Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) with the former winner of the race John Degenkolb (DSM) following close behind.  It is clear that here is were the winner of the 120th Paris Roubaix lies, question is, who will that winner be?

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 $90 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3945235-533-195767/Painting/glued-together-pr23-13.html

Ronde Van Vlaanderen 23, Men's Race: Racing for Third

With Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) off the road and Mathieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) up the road by about 45 seconds, this group knew they wouldn't be catching either of them in the final six kilometers.  It looked liked the two Americans, Matteo Jorgensen (Movistar) and Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost) seemed to be having a bit of a chat at the back of the group.  They, along with Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma), Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ), Fred Wright (Bahrain-Victorious) and Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) were going to have to resign themselves to racing for the bottom step of the podium.  That honor did end up going to Mads. With the third of the three who were most frequently named to win to day, Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) claiming fourth on the day.  Fred Wright has to continue to look for that elusive race victory, but he has been close so many times.  The Americans managed nineth and fifth respectively.

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 $90 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3943949-519-195767/Painting/racing-for-third-rvv23-6.html

Paris Nice 23, Stage 3: Keeping Gaudu Close

Not traditional known as a team time trial specialist team, Groupama-FDJ had an incredible ride today.  They finished fourth on the day mainly due to the strength of Stefan Kung who finished with his team leader, David Gaudu, glued to his wheel.  Every time the camera got the team out on the road, Gaudu was always on the back of his teammates wheels.  I can’t say if he ever took a pull, I just never saw it happened.  But it is a team’s job to ride for their team leader, and they did it in spades today!  Gaudu sits equal on time with Kung, both just two seconds off the pace of Pogacar and not more than eight seconds off of the best placed of the favorites, Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma).  Chapeau!

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 $90 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3938703-91-272742/Painting/keeping-gaudu-close-pn23-9.html

Wollongong 2022, Mixed Team Relay: Setting It Up for the Women

Stefan Kung and Stefan Disseger were the two men who came together to the line for Switzerland.  The duo of Stefans posted the best time at the finish of the men's lap.  Since the time is taken on the second man to cross the line, it was not a problem that only two of the three finished together.  This duo was handing over a sixteen second advantage to the trio of Swiss women.  And it was a very strong line up of women that are just now waiting for the green light to start their race through the streets of Wollongong.  

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 $90 USD including shipping, and yes, international shipping is available. 

If you can't afford to purchase a piece you could always help keep me going by buying me a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/greigsartc.  And check out my vlogs at my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGX-TnjXDSkkOidUE6pN1g

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Wollongong-2022-UCI-Road-World-Championships/3906773-16-295031/Painting/setting-it-up-for-the-women-uci22-16.html

Wollongong 2022, Men's ITT: On the Rivot

"On the Rivot" is an old cycling expression that goes back to the days of leather saddles (Brooks made the best - I raced on one back in the 70s).  The saddle had a brass rivot on the front of the seat.  When one is putting everything into the pedals, one has a tendency to slide forward, and thus finding oneself on the rivot at the front of the saddle.   It has come to mean that the rider is going as hard as they possibly can.  That is exactly what Stefan Kung (Switzerland) was doing on this ride.  He was second at the first check and first at the second one.  With only three men behind him, those time stood.  He was 14 seconds ahead of the Norwegian, Tobias Foss, at the second time check, but lost 17 seconds in the final ten kilometers of the time trial.  While he held off those behind him, he would have to settle for the silver medal today.

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 $90 USD including shipping, and yes, international shipping is available. 

If you can't afford to purchase a piece you could always help keep me going by buying me a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/greigsartc.  And check out my vlogs at my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGX-TnjXDSkkOidUE6pN1g

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Wollongong-2022-UCI-Road-World-Championships/3906194-11-295031/Painting/on-the-rivot-uci22-11.html

Paris Roubaix '22: Another Sprint Behind

To quote Yogi Berra, "It's deja vu all over again."  Yesterday the Paris Roubaix Femmes saw the winner come in alone with nearly a two minute advantage over a small chasing group that would sprint it out for the last two steps of the podium.  Today it was Dylan Van Baarle (Ineos-Grenadiers) winning solo, with this group of four unable to get onto the Dutchman's wheel in the closing kilometers of the race.  In the women's race it was five chasers behind Elisa Longo Borghini (Trek-Segafredo).  Here, Matej Mohoric (Bahrain-Victorious) hugged the wall at the top of the banked turns of the Roubaix Velodrome forcing those behind to drop down to start their sprint where he would easily see the move.  You maybe able to see that it is Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) who is just about to launch his sprint to the line.  He was first chased by Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) them Mohoric, followed by Tom Devriendt (Intermache Wanty-Gobert Materiaux).  As one might expect, it was Van Aert who got there first (well, second actually) followed by Kung in third.  Devriendt (a relatively unknown) taking a surprising fourth, and Mohoric having to accept finishing the day in the last of the top five of the 119th Paris Roubaix.

This will most likely do it for me until the Dauphine in June, my final warm up race before the Tour de France in July.

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 $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3879940-500-195767/Painting/another-sprint-behind-pr22-16.html

Paris Nice: A Race of Specialists

Yet another mistake in the title... so it goes.  The first two paintings from the individual time trial show both the Australian and European Champioins.  This is a race that some focus their careers on and some that just are never able to conquer the race against the clock.  Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) is a member of the former group.  He would have to be in order to be wearing the jersey of European Champion.  When Kung went through the intermediate check he was less than a second behind the leader thus far, Rohan Dennis.  Kung ended his ride in second place, but dropped to fourth once the day 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 painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes 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/Paris-Nice/3871408-53-272742/Painting/a-race-of-specialists-pn22-16.html

Paris Nice 2022: Slipping Away

With little hope of outsprinting some of those in the front group Stefan Bissegger (EF Education-EasyPost) went off the front of the peloton with roughly 15 kilometers to race.  The Swiss rider was joined by his countryman, Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) and Philippe Gilbert (Lotto Soudal).  You can't see, but trust me he is there, Christophe Laporte (Jumbo Visma) bridge across to defend his Yellow Jersey and the position on the GC of his teammates.  He need not have worried, too many in the peloton fancied their chances in a sprint finale, so these escapes were put back into the peloton in quick order.  It is impressive that Gilbert had the legs to go again having been off the front of the peloton for 100 kilometers and then in the front group for another 45.

 

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 $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3870707-45-272742/Painting/slipping-away-pn22-8.html

TDF,Stage 20: Just Ahead

As Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) went through the second time check he was a quarter of a second faster than Kasper Asgreen.  Kung is both the Swiss naitonal champion and the European time trial champion.  The European jersey takes pecedence over the national jersey so here he is in a white jersey with blue bands and gold stars.  Unfortunately for Kung, he faded a bit over the last six kilometers of the course finishing the day fourth on the stage.

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/3824549-132-291436/Painting/just-ahead-tdf21-131.html

TDF, Stage 12: Keep Working!

As I painted this, I assumed that both Harry Sweeny (Lotto Soudal) and Nils Politt (Bora-Hansgrohe) were encouraging there two companions, Imanol Erviti (Movistar) and Stefan Kung (Groupaman-FDJ) to keep working together.  The quartet had built up a 56 second lead on their erstwhile break away companions and were now 15 minutes ahead of the peloton.  This is clearly the biggest gap a break has gotten on the peloton in this edition of the Tour.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.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/3822715-75-291436/Painting/keep-working-tdf21-74.html

TDF, Stage 5 ITT: Is It Enough?

That had to be the question in the European Time Trial Champion's mind as he came to the final corners of today's individual time trial.  Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) had set the best time at the two previous check points, but it is the final line that matters.  He did have the best time by almost 45 seconds when he got there.  But alas, it wasn't quite enough to end the day as the winner of the stage.  He did managed to do well enough to hold second in the first time trial of the 2021 Tour de France.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above.  Since ti is an original work of art, it is a first come first seved reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburth 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/3821232-29-291436/Painting/is-it-enough-tdf21-28.html

Gent-Wevelgem, Over the Final Climb

 As the pair of Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) and Matteo Trentin (CCC) went over the top of the Kimmelberg for the final time they found themselves opening up a bit of a gap on the front group.  As the others reached for bottles, gels and whatever else from their soigneurs at the summit, Kung and Trentin saw their chance to push on with their advantage.  The back side of the Kimmelberg was extremely narrow with some tight turns so it was more advantageous to be in a small group then back in the peloton.  As you can see from the pair's legs and jersey, this was definitely a mud-fest race that was presenting its own challenges for the riders and their mechanics.  And again, the further back you are in the peloton, the muddier you get from the spray off the wheels of the other bikes.  Thirty four kilometers to the end might be a bit much for the duo, but this is a race for the daring.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow th edirect link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above.  Since ti is an original work of art, it is a first come first seved reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburth 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/2020-Bike-Racing-Revised-Season/3718303-26-280747/Painting/over-the-final-climb-gw20-4.html

Tour, Stage 14: Swapping Bottles

Edward Theuns (Trek-Segafredo) was off the front with the Swiss rider, Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ).  Theuns dropped back to his team car to get a fresh bidon, but rather than pitch the other to the side of the road (which is the normal practice), he passed the spent bidons back into the car.  Part of that is the race as asked riders not to throw the bottles to spectators for fear of spreading the Covid virus.  Another method of controling the spread during the race is to have all spectators wear a mask.  It may be that this guys mask is bigger than is speedo.  At least he has both.  I later saw to guys naked, or exposing themselves along the side of the road, and yet another mooning the leaders as they crested a climb.

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.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France-2020/3699492-89-282744/Painting/swapping-bottles-tdf20-83.html

Tour, Stage 10: On a Short Leash

I couldn't paint the race live today because my wife and I spent the day going through pre-op procedures ahead of her kidney transplant and my kidney donation.  After a long day there, it was back home and into the studio to paint a crash ridden stage.

This duo of MIchael Schar (CCC) and Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) went off the front at kilometer 0, but they were never given much of a gap.  The stage was incredible flat going from on island to another on the west coast of France.  In fact the only to rises on the course were the bridge off of the first island to the mainland, and then over another onto the second island of the day.  With cross winds expected, and a true sprinters' delight at the end of the 168.5 kilometers, no one wanted to have to chase back a break with a big lead up the road.

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.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France-2020/3696537-62-282744/Painting/on-a-short-leash-tdf20-57.html

Tour, Stage 8: Surrounded by the Team

It seems that Thibaud Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) was harmed more in the crash in the first stage of the Tour than he let on (or at least that the team let on).  Pinot has been regularly plaqued by bad luck in the Tour, leaving last year during stage 19.  He started trying to stretch out his back on the climb up the Port de Bales and dropped of the pace.  His teammate, William Bonnet, had already climb of a few kilometers earlier.  He was surrounded by his teammates that included, Sebstien Reichenbach, Rudy Molard and Stefan Kung, all of whom willingly sacrified their standing on the GC to try and nurse Pinot over this and the following climb in hopes that he would recover on the road.  Instead, he came in over nineteen minutes behind the main contenders, thus kissing his Tour victory good bye.  With respect, it must be said that as I am writing this (about seven hours after the stage was completed) Pinot has not left the Tour.  But with another tough day of climbing in the Pyrenees tomorrow I doubt he will be back after the rest day on Monday.

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.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France-2020/3693080-49-282744/Painting/surrounded-by-the-team-tdf20-44.html

Paris Nice, Stage 6: Time to Chat

The big news at the start of today's stage was that the race would end one day early.  Organizers decided to cancel the stage through the streets of Nice to help curtail the spread of the Corona Virus.  Additional the Bahrain McLaren team decided to leave the race and Tejay van Garderen pulled out in order to be able to get home before the banning of flights out of Europe being allowed to land in the USA.  These are strange time.  I am painting this race about ten days behind the actual racing, so I know what these guys are only guessing at.  All that being said, I will now go back to writing about this race in an "as live" manner.

Today's stage was rather hilly and marks the penultimate stage of Paris Nice now.  While the Maillot Jaune has over a minute on his nearest competitor the other GC positions are all very close together.  This is the back of the early break.  Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) took the chance to chat with Winner Anacona (Arkea-Samsic) as he rolled to the back of the group after his turn on the front.  Just ahead, Anthony Perez (Cofidis) recovered a bit before it was his turn to do his part on the front of the group.

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.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3491230-24-272742/Painting/time-to-chat-pn20-24.html