Fleche Wallonne 23, Women’s Race: Queen of Mur de Huy

She may have attacked too soon on the final climb of Fleche Wallonne, but it can’t be denied that Demi Vollering (SD Worx) had the legs to get to the top all alone.  After looking back to make sure no one was closing on her (it has happened  to some whom celebrated too soon) she began her celebrations a good 25 meters from the line.  I was struck by her simple act of removing her sunglasses, part in glee, and part to make sure we saw her face in all of the photos shot as she crossed the line alone.  She becomes only the 11th woman to win the now 23 year old Fleche Wallonne Femmes.  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/Spring-Classics-/3946458-542-195767/Painting/queen-of-mur-de-huy-fwf23-6.html

Fleche Wallonne 23, Women’s Race: Making Sure

With just 150 meters to go, Demi Vollering (SD Worx) looked back to make sure no one was coming up too quickly on her.  She did find Liane Lippert (Movistar) and Mavi Garcia (Liv Racing TeqFind) were back there.  But as she turned back forward her smile let everyone know that she knew the victory was going to be hers.  I don’t think I have ever seen such a smile grow so broadly across a rider’s face before.  Lippert, the German National Champion, held on for second, yet, Garcia, the Spanish National Champion, faded to fourth on 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 $90 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3946449-541-195767/Painting/making-sure-fwf23-5.html

Fleche Wallonne 23, Women’s Race: Climbing Away

Demi Vollering (SD Worx) as been having an absolutely amazing spring season!  As the peloton caught all of the earlier escapees at the base of the Mur de Huy, she just up the pace.  The increase was enough to leave everyone struggling to get to her wheel.  The last to lose contact was Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM).  The only questions was had she gone too soon.  The final climb of Fleche Wallonne is like climbing a wall.  Should someone go too soon, they can find themselves unable to sustain the effort up the kilometer and a third climb that tops out at an eighteen percent gradient.  Given the season that she and the team have been having, I betting she’ll just continued to increase her advantage.  If you are wondering Niewiadoma finished in eleventh place a full twenty six seconds behind the winner on 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 $90 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3946445-540-195767/Painting/climbing-away-fwf23-4.html

Paris Roubaix Femmes 23: Still Away

The early break away was still away as the remaining six rolled onto the fabled velodrome in Roubaix.  As they approached the line they were led into the bell lap with Marta Lach (Ceratizit-WNT) on the front.  She was followed by Alison Jackson (EF Education-TIBCO-SVB).  To Jackson’s left was Lisa Klein ISD Worx).  Just after I painted this, Klein crashed.  Surprising since this was the smoothest stretch of road of the entire 145 kilometers of racing.  They were joined in the race for the line by their fellow break away companions, Katia Ragusa (LIV Racing TeqFind), Emilia Fahlin (FDJ-Suez), Martha Truyen (Felix-Deceunick) and Marron Borras (St. Michel-Mavic-Auber93).  So while they only had about 15 seconds on the peloton, their ride is proof that every once in a while the break away actually succeeds. 

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-/3944974-527-195767/Painting/still-away-prf23-7.html

Gent-Wevelgem 23, Women's Race: Showing Her Colors

Ever the professional, Marlen Reusser (SD Worx) had the wherewithal to unzip her rain jacket so her team's rather brightly colored jersey would be visible to fans and photographers alike.  Equaling her professional finale was the way she was not only able to hold off the chasing peloton, but she continued to build on her lead.  When she saluted the crowd at the finish she had to wait almost three minutes to see who would be joining her on the podium at the award ceremony.

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/Professional-Womens-Cycling/3942741-66-207546/Painting/showing-her-colors-gw23-12.html

 

Gent-Wevelgem 23, Women's Race: Solo Over the Kemmelberg

I suspect that the rather elite chasing peloton thought they would be able to catch Marlen Reusser (SD Worx) on the final trip up the Kemmelberg.  Instead, as she went up the fabled cobble climb, she opened up another handful of seconds.  It was beginning to look like she might not be caught at all.  By now she had a minute and seven seconds on the chasers with another 35 kilometers left to go.

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/Professional-Womens-Cycling/3942704-64-207546/Painting/solo-over-the-kemmelberg-gw23-10.html

Strade Bianche Donne 23: Between Teammates

We were all curious if the SD Worx teammates would decide who was going to win the day between themselves, by team order, or if they would race each other as all cycling buddies do.  It was close and perhaps it could have been Lotte Kopecky’s second victory in a row had she timed her bike through a bit better.  As I watched the over head shot, I could see that Demi Vollering had one or two pedal strokes more than her teammate once she had thrown her bike at the line.  After the finish they didn’t seem to want to speak to each other, but by the time they got to the podium, they were all smiles and hugs.  

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/Professional-Womens-Cycling/3938130-60-207546/Painting/between-teammates.-sb23-7.html

Strade Bianche Donne 23: Catching Their Prey

Within the final 600 meters of the race the SD Worx duo of Lotte Kopecky and Demi Vollering  were able to catch Kristen Faulkner (Jayco-Alula).  The two caught the lone American of the 15% gradient up to the old city of Sienna (or Siena if you want to use the English name).  I assume Faulkner was moving to the right to allow the duo to pass, but she ended up putting Vollering up against the barriers.  Vollering had to pause and then get back up to speed on probably the steepest climb of the day.  It had to be heart breaking of Faulkner to see the multi-colored jerseys join her so close to the finish.  She can take some comfort in know that she still would stand on the podium no matter what happens in the remaining meters.  The greatly reduced peloton was another two minutes behind this trio.  Now, will Vollering ride to give Kopecky her second victory of Strade Bianche Donne in a row?  Or would they simply see who had the better legs of the team on 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/3938118-59-207546/Painting/catching-their-prey.-sb23-6.html

Strade Bianche Donne 23: Two Chasing One

Once Demi Vollering’s (SD Worx) teammate, Lotte Kopecky was able to escape the grip of the peloton, she waited so the two could work together to catch the last woman up the road.  I hope they had a few moments to enjoy the incredible scenery on their way back into Siena.  With ten kilometers left to go they still had to make up 47 seconds.  The formula of the peloton being able to pull back a minute per 10 kilometers made it seem like the SD Worx duo had a chance to compete for the win.  However two women does not a peloton make.

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/3938113-58-207546/Painting/two-chasing-one.-sb23-5.html

Tour Femmes '22, Stage 8 Finale!: Mountain Queen

I realize now I could have titled this "Joy and Pain."  Demi Vollering (SD Worx) had chased Annemiek Van Vleutin up mountains for the last two days, never quite able to catch the Dutch woman on the Spanish team.  But she did get over some of the climbs before her, and she got over some climbs before the attacks for the stage got started.  So while she wasn't able to win the stage nor the Maillot Jaune, she is on the podium in second and takes the Queen of the Mountains title in the first Tour de France Femmes, or the return of the women's Tour de France.  Judging by the crowds on the side of the roads along the 1,033 kilometers over the past eight days, and millions watching all around the world, this won't be a one off.  Despite her exhaustion at the summit, Vollering did try to make a heart over her chest as she crossed the line, thanking her team, the fans, and her family who awaited her.  

Well done to everyone who started the race in Paris, and to all of those who finished atop the La Super Planches des Belle Filles.  Chapeau!  

This is the last of my paintings of the first Tour de France Femmes (and the return to a women's Tour de France).  I am clearly also finished painting the men's race as well.  I don't plan to be painting any more cycling until the UCI World Road Championships in late September, althougth that is just seven weeks from now.

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/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3896752-195-294403/Painting/mountain-queen-tdff22-54.html

Tour Femmes '22, Stage 8: There to Help

Paula Andrea Patino (Movistar) had been in the front group all stage long just waiting for her team leader (and the Maillot Jaune) Annemiek Van Vleutin to catch up with the leaders out on the road.  As they closed in on the last kilometers of the stage, the Planche des Belle Filles, and the Tour de France Femmes, she was there to help Van Vleutin make her move to distance the rest of the peloton.  Just as it was yesterday, only Demi Vollering (SD Worx) had any chance of holding onto the wheel of the former world champion.  Vollering was over three minutes behind Van Vleutin on GC, but she had a six point lead on the Maillot Jaune in the quest for the Polka Dot Jersey of the Queen of the Mountains.  All Vollering had to do was to finish within three places to claim the final Maillot a Pois.

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/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3896708-192-294403/Painting/there-to-help-tdff22-51.html

Tour Femmes '22, Stage 7: The Girl in the Middle

Demi Vollering (SD Worx) was stuck unable to catch up to Annemieke Van Vleutin (Movistar) but then those behind weren't able to catch her either.  As she went over the top of the Grand Ballon, she was just over two minutes behind the stage winner, but she can take some comfort in being the next Queen of the Mountains and moving up into second place over all.  She is three and a quarter minutes behind the new Maillot Jaune, but tomorrow will be an even harder day, the ends both the stage and the Tour on the top of Super Planches des Belles Filles. Conversely, she only has a minute and three quarters on the woman sitting in third. When she reached the top and hugged her parents it was looking like she was totally spent.  It all comes down how well she and Van Vleutin can recover tonight.  

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/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3896671-187-294403/Painting/the-girl-in-the-middle-tdff22-46.html

Tour Femmes '22, Stage 7, Coming Round Right

Annemiek Van Vluetin (Movistar) has bee unusually absent from the Tour de France Femmes, until to day.  The Dutch former World Champion had been suffering with a stomach virus but announced yesterday that she was feeling  much better.  Clearly she was on form, and on fire today.  She had left the peloton on the Petit Ballon before the on air broadcast began.  The only one capable of going with her was Demi Vollering (SD Worx).  Vollering had started the day in 6th overall with Van Vleutin in 8th. Both were just over a minute behind the Maillot Juane of Marianne Vos (Jumbo-Visma).  As the two climbed the Col du Platerwasel they had built up an eight minute lead on the Maillot Jaune.  The two were the virtual first and second places on the road.  It was equally possible that either would take over the lead in the Queen of the Mountains competition.  

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

My website "upgraded" this week and there have been big problems.  Of course! So if you can't buy the painting you want, email me through the website and we can work out an off site sale.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3896375-180-294403/Painting/coming-round-right-tdff22-39.html

Tour Femmes, Stage 6: Winning in Yellow

This painting is sold.

Marianne Vos (Jumbo-Visma) hasn't spent much time off the front of this Tour de France Femmes.  Even if she hasn't won a stage (she has) she has finished everyone in the top ten if not the top five.  Today she honored the Maillot Jaune today by winning in yellow.  She was able to out sprint Marta Bastianelli (UAE Team ADQ), Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx), Elisa Balsamo (Trek-Segafredo) in her Rainbow Jersey, and the ever unzipped Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon/SRAM).  The now official Maillot Vert, Lorena Wiebes had crashed on the final descent and finish the day over seven minutes behind Vos.  Naturally, she didn't score any green jersey points, so it goes back to Vos.  That means she will be back to wearing in on loan from the race leader.

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/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3896241-179-294403/Painting/winning-in-yellow-tdff22-38.html

Tour Femmes '22, Stage 6: Exploiting a Descent

Both Christine Majerus (SD Worx) and Anna Henderson (Jumbo-Visma) use the descent of top of an uncategorized climb to distance the remnants of the early break.  Majerus looks back at Henderson from her aero tuck, just checking to see if Anna had the nerve to fly down the descent.  She shouldn't have worried, the Jumbo-Visma rider came to cycling from downhill skiing, she loves to go down hills fast.  While Majerus' position looks odd, it is safer than the now banned super-tuck.  However this one does kind of put one's butt up in the air.  I am just thinking now that it reminds me of a cat that is very happy with being petted.  Regardless, it does make her far more aerodynamic than Henderson's position on the bike.

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/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3896223-177-294403/Painting/exploiting-a-descent-tdff22-36.html

Tour Femmes '22, Stage 6: Slipping Away

With the break away basically back together the next obstacle facing the group of now 13 riders was the intermediate sprint.  They had managed to keep the peloton at bay, so it was their opportunity to gain some sprint points, not that any of them had a chance of catching up to Lorena Weibes in her Maillot Vert, or Marianne Vos, who is in the Maillot Jaune and in second in the competition for the title of best sprinter.  Nevertheless, Tamara Dronova-Balabolina (Roladn Cogeas Edelwiess Squad) slipped away from the others to get the sprint price (yes there is some cash on offer).  Behind her Christine Majerus (SD Worx) in her Luxembourg Champion's jersey, Jesse Vandenbulcke (Le Col-Wahoo), Joscelin Lowden (Uno-X) and Silke Smulders (Liv Racing Xstra) just kept rolling along.  They knew what she was after and didn't want to spend the energy to contest the sprint.  With 45 kilometers left to race and only a minute and a half on the peloton, they had quite a lot of work to do if they wanted to contest for stage honors.

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/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3896221-176-294403/Painting/slipping-away-tdff22-35.html

Tour Femmes '22, Stage 5: That Should Work Better

Former World Champion Chantal Van Den Broek-Blaak (SD Worx) was one of the rolling wounded after the huge pile up quite a few kilometers back now.  I just confused myself, this painting should have come before the previous one, so it goes. Anyway, a new feature in the streaming broadcast on NBC Sports on Peacock includes a few of the radio communications between the riders and their sport directors.  After the crash you can here Chantal asking for medical attention telling them she is bleeding quite a lot.  She is told that all of the medical staff is busy dealing with those that can't yet stand up.  She calmly responds that is okay, she will keep going.  When we see her next, she has a towel rubberbanded to her arm that is covered in blood.  After getting back to the peloton, she then drops back to get real medical first aid.  I guess second aid would be a bit more accurate.  The doctor cleans the wound, but not the blood that has run down her arm and puddled in her glove, and puts on a proper dressing.  She then rides off into the mass of women ahead to help her sprinter contest for stage honors.

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/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3896128-173-294403/Painting/that-should-work-better-tdff22-31.html 

Tour Femmes, Stage 4: Time to Celebrate

You can read this title either way.  Either Marlen Reusser's (SD Worx) minute and twenty-four seconds means she has plenty of time to celebrate her stage victory.  Or as she crosses the line it is time for her and her team to celebrate their first stage win in the Tour de France Femmes.  Behind her what I can only assume is an executive for Zwift sticks their cellphone out the window to capture their view of Reusser's victory salute.  Zwift is a title sponsor of the race, so officially this is the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.  Not to be outdone, the grocery store, E. Leclerc has stuck their logo on top of the race commissare's car.

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/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3896052-168-294403/Painting/time-to-celebrate-tdff22-27.html

Tour Femmes '22, Stage 4: On Her Own

Marlen Reusser (SD Worx) used her time trial skills to ride away from every woman still in the Tour de France Femmes.  With nine kilometers to go she had build up a forty one seconds on the three who were trying to get across to her.  She has just over a minute on the group that contains the Maillot Jaune and all of the other high up on the general classification.  She has just gone through the time bonus point out on course.  So while she isn't a GC factor, she just took three seconds off of her total time thus far in the Tour.  She is riding alone save the race referee's car, the Shimano neutral service, and just visible is one of a flotilla of race motorcycles.  I can't image anyone catching her now, she is adding to her advantage with nearly every pedal stroke on her wasy to Bar sur Aube.

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/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3896050-167-294403/Painting/on-her-own-tdff22-26.html

Tour Femmes '22, Stage 4: Chemin Blanc

The men's Tour had the cobbles used in Paris Roubaix.  Today the women got to race on the white gravel vineyard roads used in Paris Tours.  Both are difficult, dirty and can really change the complexion of the race for the Maillot Jaune at the end of the race.  As the peloton hit Sector 3, Chemin Blanc des Hautes Forets, it was the European Champion Ellen Van Dijk (Trek-Segafredo) pushing the pace for her teammates.  On her wheel are three of the women from Team SD Worx including Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio and Demi Vollering.  Not sure who the Movistar rider is who is moving up on her right.  It was a bit of a challenge to capture the visual sense of the clouds of dust, but nothing compared to what it must be to ride in it.

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/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3896026-163-294403/Painting/chemin-blanc-tdff22-22.html