Tour '22, Stage 5: A Reversal of Fortune

Both Wout Van Aert and his team Jumbo-Visma were flying high for the first four stages of this Tour.  Today that all came apart.  After having a mechanical Van Aert was working his way back through the peloton when he ran up on the rear wheel of his teammate Steven Kruijswijk.  Down they both went.  The two main GC contenders for their team, Jonas Vingegaard and Primoz Roglic both lost time across the cobbles mainly due to flat tires and crashes.  Oddly, Van Aert held onto yellow, but the others lost a half minute and two and a half minutes respectfully.  Plus the team lost their first place in the team competition, but by only one second to Ineos-Grenadiers.  That should set up a wild stage finale on the uphill climb to the finish.

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.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3892389-23-294403/Painting/a-reversal-of-fortune-tdf22-23.html

Dauphine, Stage 4: On His Way

Steven Kruijswijk (Lotto Soudal) is just getting started on course.  As he had a teammate just ahead of him he was able to monitor just how he was doing.  While he ended up with a decent ride, it wasn't enough for the top ten on either the stage on the general classification.  Jumbo-Visma puts a lot of faith in him, but I donn't remember seeing him getting great results in the past.  He is always there or there abouts, but never quite claiming the top step of the podium.  He made it a bit harder to achieve that today.

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/Criterium-du-Dauphine/3814860-101-185083/Painting/on-his-way-cd21-17.html

Tour, Stage 20: Now or Never

Hail, floods and landslides had changed the end of stage 19, and the start of today's stage.  Originally, today was suppose to have three climbs and a total of 130 kilometers.  The stage changed to just the final climb and just 58 kilometers.  With that in mind, it was going to have to be an all out assault from the base of the Val Thorens if any changes were going to be made on the general classification placings.  As the peloton started the climb it was the teammates of Steven Kruijswijk (Jumbo-Visma), George Bennett and Laurens De Plus driving the pace.  Behind them sat Ineos with the plan of keeping Egan Bernal in Yellow and Geraint Thomas in third overall.  Peeking around the corner is Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick Step) hoping to hold onto second at the very least.

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.

Be sure to check out my daily videos on You Tube.  If you enjoy what you see on the channel, please subscribe.  I need to get over a hundred subscribers so I can name the channel, "Art of Cycling"

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Tour, Stage 18: Not Today!

"Not Today" or the French version thereof, had to be what was going through the mind of Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick Step) as he came to the line with all but one of his main rivals.  He did lost five seconds of his overall lead, but he lost 30 seconds to the Maillot Blanc of Egan Bernal (Ineos).  Emanuel Buchman (Bora-Hansgrohe) lead the gaggle of the top ten across the line along with Steven Kruijswijk (Jumbo-Visma), Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ), Geraint Thomas (Ineos), Mikel Landa (Movistar) and just tagging on to the back, Rigoberto Uran (EF Education First) making the stage a draw.  With just two more days of real racing, it is going to be full on tomorrow and Saturday.

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.

Be sure to check out my daily videos on You Tube.  If you enjoy what you see on the channel, please subscribe.  I need to get over a hundred subscribers so I can name the channel, "Art of Cycling"

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3365427-105-263530/Not%20Today%20%20TDF19-105.html

Tour, Stage 2: Better Than Defending

Team Jumbo-Visma had planned to go out and defended the Maillot Jaune of their sprinter.  However, yesterday their designated sprinter crashed and wasn't able to contend the finale.  No matter, one of his lead out men, Mike Teunissen step into his place and took the stage yesterday.  So today they are defending the Maillot Jaune.  Yet, they did more than defend it, they extended his lead over all of the other contenders in the 2019 Tour!  The team crossed the line 20 seconds quicker than the erstwhile stage leaders, Team Ineos, leaving Teunissen with a 24 second lead over his four teammates, Wout Van Aert, Steven Kruijswijk, Tony Martin and George Bennett.  He has 34 seconds on the next guy on the general classification who isn't a teammate.  Chapeau!

The Dutch were hoping to hold both the Maillot Jaune in the Tour and the World Cup in the finale of the Women's World Cup today.  I will gladly let them have the Maillot Jaune as I cheer the victory of the USA Women's soccer team!

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%20de%20France%202019/3356887-10-263530/Better%20Than%20Defending%20%20TDF19-10.html

Tour, Stage 17: Is There Time to Be Had?

With Chris Froome (Sky) cracking on the final meters of the climb, it was Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) who went on the attack.  His move was quickly covered by the Maillot Jaune of Geraint Thomas (Sky) and then joined by the Lotto NL Jumbo duo of Steven Kruijswijk and Primoz Roglic.  All were hoping to move up with the collapse of Froome.  All that is except Thomas.  He was just making sure he kept his race lead, and apparently now the leadership of Team Sky.  Over the shoulders of this group is nothing but mist and clouds as they top the Col du Portet.

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.

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Tour, Stage 12: Good Legs

In interviews the racers talk about their legs as if they were something independent of themselves.  Riders will say, "if the legs are good" or "I just didn't have the legs today."  It always strikes me as a little odd.  That being said, Steven Kruijswijk (Lotto NL Jumbo) must have been having great legs at the base of the Col de la Croix Fer.  He had been out in the early break all day, and when he left the others he was riding into the virtual yellow jersey.  Kruijswijk started the day in sixth place just over three minutes off of the lead of Geraint Thomas (Sky).  He hoped that the peloton would be more concerned with each other to bother trying to chase him down.  I am sure his primary goal was the stage, but a Maillot Jaune would be a very welcome extra benefit.  Spoiler Alert!  He was chased down with just a few kilometers to the end atop Alpe d'Huez.

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-2018/3190062-65-251072/PaintingGood-Legs--T18-64.html

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.

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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 18: Turn About Is Fair Play

Two days ago, Astana attacked Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) when he had a flat tire on a mountainous descent.  It angered the Spaniard and went against the unwritten rule that no one attacks the race leader when they have had a mechanical, nor when they have crashed.  Contador felt misused and chased Fabio Aru down and then put several more minutes into his closest rival.  Today, when Astana's Aru and Mikel Landa (2nd and 3rd behind Contador) Tinkoff Saxo went to the front of the remaining peloton and really drove the pace.  As they started up the final climb, Contador was down to one teammate and only Steve Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo) was able to hold the wheel of the dancing Maglia Rosa.  Kruijswijk his now wearing the Azure Blue of the King of the Mountains, the jersey he claimed the same day that Astana pulled its most aggressive move.

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.

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Giro Stage 16: Trading Blows

Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo) has been in numerous breakaways that have made it to the finish ahead of the peloton, but has yet to get the elusive Grand Tour stage victory.  Today he was the only one who could hang with the Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) and Mikel Landa (Astana) duo.  In fact, he led the trio over the crest of the Passo del Mortirolo to pull himself into second in the King of the Mountains competition.  As they climbed toward the finale in Aprica, first Contador, then Kruijswijk attacked the others.  But it was the attack by Mikel Landa that stuck leaving the others struggling to catch his fast disappearing wheel.  I admit that I am jumping ahead, but in thanks for all of the work that the Dutchman had done on the last two climbs, Contador let the Kruijswijk claim second at the line.  With the second place finish on a mountain top finish, the Dutchman had amassed enough KOM points on the day to pull on the Maglia Azure of the King of the Mountains.  Contador had now put another two minutes into the Maglia Blanco of Fabio Aru (Astana).

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/2559992---184157/Painting.html#.VWUXQflViko

Giro Stage 14: Slipping Around

For many on the course up to Valdobbiadone, slipping around had more to do with the wet roads and the notoriously unstable time trial machines.  While I didn't see any riders actually hit the tarmac, many slid on the corners, particularly those with painted road markings.  For Steve Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo), the slipping around is in reference to his slipping around his 'two minute man' (the rider who left the start gate two minutes ahead of him).  Kruijswijk has been showing himself in most every break away that has succeed to the line ahead of the peloton, sadly he has twice finished second on those stages.  Today, he was not to win, again.  But his ride certainly help to move him up the GC and to solidify his reputation as a strong man of the peloton.  I was unable to get the name of the rider from Tinkoff Saxo who fell to the faster Dutchman.

This is an 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/2558894---184157/Painting.html#.VWF2AvlViko

Giro Stage 11: Over They Go

Stage 11 into Imola included a circuit that included for climbs up a category 4 climb (although points were only award on the penultimate trip up the hill).  The early break seems to have pulled it over on the peloton for the second day in a row.  This group that included, Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo) his third appearance in a break, Diego Rosa (Astana), Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha) and Benat Intxausti (Movistar) among others.  The group is about to start their descent back down into Imola and onto the Autodromo Ferrari where the race will conclude on the finishing straight of the raceway in three more laps.

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/2557410---184157/Painting.html#.VV1MTPlViko

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

Giro Stage 8: Are You Coming?

These three road away from the morning break away planning to fight it out on the final climb up to Campitello Matese.  With over 150 kilometers (and seven and a half stage of the Giro) in their legs, Carlos Betancur (AG2R) and Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo) started questioning whether Kristof Vandewalle (Trek Factory Racing) was doing his fair share of the work to stay away.  The riders will take turns drafting off of each other, the cyclist behind the lead man will use roughly 30% less energy than the guy with his nose in the wind.  Betancur and Kruijswijk didn't want to give Vandewalle a free ride that would allow him to best them on the climb.

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 small family run art supply company that has some of my favorite media.  The painting is also 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.  But don't delay, these are original one of a kind paintings and when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2555124---184157/Painting.html#.VVfZoCFViko

Giro d'Italia Stage 14: Grinding Up the Mountain

Stage 14 from Agile to Oropa featured the first big climbs of the Giro, Alpe Noveis was the first Category One climb of the 2014 Giro d'Italia. The stage included four climbs on the day, the final summit was the finishing line in Oropa.  It should prove to be a big day for the General Classification competition as well as a chance to see the pure climbers in action.  The riders formed a 21 man break over the first climb of the day, but it was the climb up Alpe Noveis that began the sort out that everyone expected to see.  The first to push the pace on the climb was Albert Timmer (Giant Shimano) followed by Steven Kruijswijk (Belkin Pro Cycling), Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Sky) and Manuel Quinziato (BMC), hoping to ride themselves of some of the passengers in the large break away.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard measure 4" by 6" and 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%202014/2369370---198213/Painting.html#.U4GCtc_D_IU