Tour '25, Stage 11: Holding Off the Chasers

It was the three that got away at the start and the pair that joined them that were still holding off the chases from behind.  There was a group of five a half of a minute behind them unable to close the gap.  The peloton sat another two minutes further back equally unable to close up to these five.  With twenty-one kilometers to race it was looking like Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno X-Mobility), Davide Ballerini (XDS-Astana), Mathieu Burgaudeau (TotalEnergies), Mauro Schmid (Jayco-Alula) and Fred Wright (Bahrain-Victorious) were going to fight it out for the victory back into Toulouse.

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. 

"Holding Off the Chaser TdF25-70" (Original art by Greig Leach)

 

Liege Bastogne Liege Femmes '22: Annoyed with the Tactics

Once Annemiek Van Vleutin (Movistar) went on the attack it was only Marlen Reusser (SD Worx) who could hang onto the Dutch woman's wheel.  Much to Van Vleutin's frustration, Reusser was only there to make sure she didn't get too far up the road.  Reusser was riding in defense of her team leader, Demi Vollering.  As much as Van Vleutin flicked her arm for Reusser to take a turn on the front the Swiss Champion wasn't doing a damn thing to help her pull away from her teammates.  While Van Vleutin may have been frustrated, it just a traditional team racing tactic.  On the other hand, it doesn't strike me as a good idea to anger such a strong rider like Annemiek.  More on that later...

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/Professional-Womens-Cycling/3881382-50-207546/Painting/annoyed-with-the-tactics-lbl22-10.html

Ronde Van Vlaanderen Women '22: First to Reach the Final Climb

Both Christine Majerus (SD Worx) and Brodie Chapman (FDJ Nouvelle-Aquitaine Futuroscope) had team leaders in the group behind, but that wasn't stopping them from riding on their own behalf off the front.  At the base of the final climb, the Paterburg, they had a bit of a lead on those chasing behind.  The question is; should they be caught will they have the legs to help out their teammates to win the race.  If they aren't caught, who will have the legs to win the day?

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/Professional-Womens-Cycling/3877200-45-207546/Painting/first-to-the-final-climb-rvv22-12.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

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

Tour Down Under: How Am I Doing?

Danilo Wyss (BMC) who is wearing the National Champion's Jersey of Switzerland, peeks back over his shoulder to see just how much damage he is doing on the climb up out of Port Elliot.  Tucked onto his wheel is his new teammate, Richie Porte, followed by the rest of the diminishing peloton.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting created using watercolors from www.richesonart.com and 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.  In addition, be sure to check out my new book, "Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships" available now at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20Down%20Under/2679696-84-194179/Painting.html#.VqKPFfkrLIU

Tour de France Stage 3: What the Hell?

I am sure that the phrase, "What the Hell?" was said in any number of different languages today.  Christian Prudhomme, in the interest of safety, stopped the race to let those who crashed and the medical personnel who had attended them catch back up to the peloton.  The stoppage was a bit disorganized with several starts and stops before it was all said and done.  Plus the choice was made to stop everyone at the bottom of the first categorized climb of this year's Tour.  It was one of those situations that everyone would have an opinion about.  Danilo Wyss (BMC) took the opportunity to voice his opinion to any who would listen, while Nairo Quintana (Movistar) remained his impassive self while sucking down an extra water bottle.  It is safe to assume that this unusual action will be discussed all over the internet tonight and will be the subject of many barroom arguments for years to come.

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, a family run art supply company with incredible products for all sorts of artistic endeavors.  Their website is www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But don't delay, since it is an original there is only one of these paintings available and you wouldn't want to miss your opportunity to have a piece of art from the 102nd Tour de France.

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Tour Stage 7: They Are Coming

Today's long stage brought the peloton and the leading break away that much closer to the high alpine passes that but fear into the hearts of use mere mortal cyclists.  The early break of six riders were not given much of a leash by Peter Sagan's Cannondale boys.  Cannondale looked over the race profile and felt that their climbing sprinter had what it would take to distance Greipel and Kittel on the final climbs and be the one to throw his arms in the air in Nancy.  The six men in the break, including these three Martin Elmiger (IAM Cycling and new Swiss National Champion), Nicolas Edet (Cofidis) and the young American, Matthew Busche (Trek Factory Racing).  The group is being shown the gap between them and the Cannondale led peloton, in the old school method of a piece of chalk and slateboard.  With all of the riders riding with radio earpieces taped to their ears, it seems a little redundant, but this is a sport full of traditions that die hard.  This is an original small watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  This painting and all of my art of the 2014 Tour de France will be included in my soon to be self published book, "Book de Tour".  To learn more about the book project, to pre-order your copy, and to become part of bringing this Tour to print visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour.  There are some really great incentives at a wide variety of backer levels starting for as little as $5 USD.  If you would like to purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202014/2400810---199992/Painting.html#.U8A4S8_D_IU

US Pro Challenge Stage 4: Team Strategy

Team Garmin Sharp had decided from the start of the race that Tom Danielson was their man for the GC, so when it came to the big climb up Bachelor's Gulch it was Lachlan Morton in the Yellow Jersey sacrificing himself to put as much time between Danielson and the rest of the peloton as possible.  The team had gone out with the objective of gaining as much time as possible on TeJay Van Garderen ahead of the time trial in Vail tomorrow.  Sitting right on the wheel of Danielson is the Swiss Champion Michael Schar of BMC with TeJay right behind him.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available in a short three day auction on ebay.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to get your piece of the third US Pro Challenge.

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