Dauphine Stage Five: Long, Straight & Flat

Stage Five had the largest break away in the race thus far, I never did a count of how many were in the break, but it had to have a member of every team in it.  Some of the notables included Brent Brookwalter of BMC and Dameseau of Argos-Shimano.  This is the long straight valley road before the tough climbs to come.  Lately the breaks have been succeeding, but today, there was too much at stake for the contenders.  The last of this break, Bushe of Radio Shack, was caught with just 300 meters to go.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard and like all of the work in this series, it was created using cake watercolors, brushes and paper from www.richesonart.com  The work is also available for purchase through my artist website.  Just follow the direct link at the end of the post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Criterium%20du%20Dauphine/2161511---185083/Painting.html#.Ubp2XsvD_IU

Giro Day Eighteen: Running Tifosi

Tifosi are the exuberant cycling fans that run along side of the racers cheering sometimes in costumes, sometimes nearly naked, always joyful and excited to be so close to these international athletes.  I am sure that alcohol frequently figures into the equation.  This group seem to be conjuring up bumble bees, the guys were in black and yellow striped dresses (that would stay up) and their female companion wore a brilliant big shouldered yellow blouse with a tight black jump suit.   All of this is being caught by the following TV Moto.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available for purchase through my artist website.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2153331---184157/Painting.html#.UaVQss_D_IU

Giro Day Eighteen: They Won't Sit Up

Today was the day of attacks, counter attacks, break aways, and break aways form the break aways.  When the peleton was upon the first break of the day the bulk of the break sat up, resigning to their fate of being put back into the fold, however, these three pressed on.  Wilco Kelderman, Danny Pate, and Emanuele Sella were intend on winning the stage despite the rather long odds.  Their chances got better when the sprinters were dropped on the final climb of the day.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard and it can be yours by visiting my artist website.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to get a piece of art from the 2013 Giro d'Italia.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2153317---184157/Painting.html#.UaVPJM_D_IU

Giro Day Twelve: Driving Hard to Gain Seconds

With 10 kilometers left to race in Stage 11 and only 20 seconds separating 3rd through 6th places, Team Blanco, Lampre and Fantini-Selle Italia, came to the front of the Magila Rosa group and drove hard hoping to get some time splits in the peleton.  Nibali and Evans just stayed with the move and saved their fight for another day.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available for purchase through my artist website.   Just follow the direct link at the end of this post, but hurry, you wouldn't want someone else to take your painting home.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2151497---184157/Painting.html#.UaAfVsvD_IU

Giro Day Twelve: Chatting at the Rear

The riders spend four to six hours a day out on the race course, so they do have time to chat (or argue).  This is Taylor Phinney (BMC) talking with the Vacansoliel rider who almost cut him off against the wall (it certainly looked like a cordial conversation).  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard (4"x6") and like all of the works in this series, was created using cake watercolors, brushes and paper from www.richesonart.com   In addition, all of these works are for sale on my artist web site,  just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2151489---184157/Painting.html#.UaAbYsvD_IU

Giro Day Eleven: Hard Corners/Technical Descent

The swtichbacks on the descents can be very difficult and almost as exhausting as the climbs.  The riders hit speeds of 70 kph on the straights and then have to brake hard to get slowed down enough to make the 180 degree turns only to sprint away from the corner to get up to maximum speed.  This is done over and over until the bottom of the mountain.  Descending is a skill that requires nerves of steel and a little thrill seeking.  This is the group containing the main contenders with the exception of Ryder Hesjedal, who ended the stage losing significant time on his rivals.  The second rider visible in line in Cadel Evans, who was isolated without any team mates, yet rode well to defend his position in the GC (overall rankings).  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard and can be yours by visiting my artist web site.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post, but hurry, you wouldn't want someone else to own your painting.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2151037---184157/Painting.html#.UZ7BK8vD_IU

Giro Day Seven: Cadel Sneaks In

Behind the stunning victory by Adam Hansen, the peleton shook itself out and re-ordered the standings.  This is the select group of the peleton sprinting for the line like it was a stage win.  Every stage awards time bonuses for the top ten places so any one you can top you can even more time on.  Some of these riders are from right to left:  Danilo DiLuca, Ryder Hesjedal, Cadel Evans and Enricl Battaglin, not making the painting is the new Maglia Rosa.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard and like all of the works in this series is available for purchase on my artist website.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post and purchase this painting and all of the others that are still ayailable.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2149263---184157/Painting.html#.UZo_TsvD_IU

Giro Stage Seven: The Break Starts Up

Another day and another break away goes up the road.  In this case the road is going up as well.  Unlike the flat stage 6, a mountainous stage gives the small groups a better chance over the power and speed of the peleton.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that like all of the works in this series was created using Richeson Art's cake watercolors, brushes, and papers. (www.richesonart.com )  And this painting is available for purchase through my artist website, just follow the link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2149247---184157/Painting.html#.UZo5e8vD_IU

Giro Day Six: The Catch Is Here

The fate of almost every break away is to be caught and the earlier it forms, the smaller the group, the surer it is to be reeled back in.  Cameron Wurf of Cannondale and Jack Bobridge of Team Blanco put in a valiant effort, but it was to be a day for the sprinters and no break away was going to spoil that.  So the peleton sucked them up with 25 kilometers left to race.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard and is available for sale at my artist web site.  Just follow the link at the end of this post to get your original art of the 2013 Giro d'Italia. 

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2149233---184157/Painting.html#.UZo1s8_D_IU

Giro Day Six: Two Today

Another stage in the Giro d'Italia and another break away, this one was the smallest yet with only these two riders.  Remember Cameron Wurf from stage one (I thought his last name was Wulf), this is him with Jack Bobridge of Team Blanco.  Today's stage also showed the peleton leaving the breakaway hanging out in front. pegged at two and a half minutes.  But when the sprinters decided it was time, you know what happened.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard and is available for sale on my artist web site.  Just follow the link at the end of this post and make this your very own.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2149179---184157/Painting.html#.UZmYp8vD_IU