UCI Worlds, Zurich 2024, Elite Men's Road Race: A Tip of the Crown

Perhaps this title needs a little explaining.  In the world of professional cycling, the Triple Crown is winning the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de France, and the World Championship in the same season.  Until today, only two men have managed the feat.  The first was Eddy Merckx of Belgium who did it 50 years ago this week, and the second was Stephen Roche of Ireland who equaled Merckx thirteen years later.  But now, a third name can be added to that list, Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia.  In so doing he also broke his own record for longest breakaway win in a race.  This year he went from eighty kilometers out to win Strade-Bianche.  Today, he jumped free of the peloton with 100.7 kilometers to race.  I don't think he was on his own until about 50 kilometers to go, but the records will say 100 K.  He had plenty of time to think up a victory salute, but I think he might have been a bit emotional as he came to the finishing line alone, savoring the applause of the fans crowding the barriers and the roadway prior to the flame rouge.  Behind him Ben O'Connor (Ireland) came alone for the silver medal, and the defending champion, Mathieu Van Der Poel (Netherlands) outsprinted the chasing six or seven to take the bronze.

This is truly the end of my cycling season.  So I won't be back sharing my cycling art until the Tour Down Under in late January 2025.

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.

"A Tip of the Crown Z24-14" (Original art by Greig Leach)

UCI Worlds, Zurich 2024, Elite Men's Road Race: Alone on the Bell Lap

Before the start of the final lap around the Zurich 2024 course, Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia) dropped the last of member of the UCI Road World Championship's Elite Men's start list on his way towards achieving his goal of winning the Rainbow Jersey of World Champion.  With just under thirteen kilometers left to go he was still holding his forty second advantage on the various groupings of chasers behind.  It was surprising to see just how many flags of Slovenia decorated the 27-kilometer course through Zurich.

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.

"Alone on the Bell Lap Z24-13" (Original art by Greig Leach)

 

UCI Worlds, Zurich 2024, Elite Men's Road Worlds: Stretching Their Advantage

Both Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia) and Pavel Sivakov (France) both look over at the timekeeper's motorcycle to see just how far back the chaser are.  With 73 kilometers the duo from UAE Team Emirates were stretching out their advantage to just shy of a minute over those closest behind them.  Pogacar had waited for Sivakov at the top of a climb after they escaped the breakaway.  He knew that despite his strength there was still too many kilometers to try and go it alone to the finish line.  However, he eventually found the Slovenian's pace just too much to stay on his wheel.

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.  

"Stretching Their Advantage Z24-11" (Original art by Greig Leach)

UCI Worlds, Zurich 2024, Elite Men's Road Race: Going from the Break!

It only took about twenty kilometers for Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia) to get off the front of the peloton through the breakaway and off the front of the race.  Many tried to hold onto his wheel again, but it was only his trade teammate, Pavel Sivakov (France) who could manage to stick with the defending Tour de France champion.  Perhaps doing team training sessions together helped Sivakov to understand just how Pogacar rides.  With 78 kilometers left to race, it was a bit early to try to go solo, but then Pogacar did go eighty kilometers alone this year at Strade Bianche.  And this time he as a guy who will work with him, for the foreseeable future at least.  

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. 

"Going from the Break! Z24-10" (Original art by Greig Leach) 

UCI Worlds, Zurich 2024, Elite Men's Road Race: Trying to Cover Pogacar

Knowing that the real race was up the road, Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia) attacked the peloton on Witikon Climb.  The first to attack was Quinn Simmons (USA) but when the Slovenian superstar came up to him, he just couldn't stay on the wheel of the lime green express train.  Michael Matthews (Australia) was fading away just as quickly as the American.  With 100 kilometers to go, I don't think anyone really expected him to launch so early, but it wasn't like the Slovenian teammates didn't telegraph the impending attack.  However, knowing Tadej is going to go, and being able to go with him are two entirely different things.

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.

"Trying to Cover Pogacar Z24-9" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Wollongong 2022, Elite Men's Road Race: 100 K and Still Away

All of these guys had been trying to get away from kilometer zero.  But once the break away got established they built themselves an eight minute lead on the peloton.  Some of those in the group included the other Sagan, Juraj Sagan (Slovakia), Scott McGill (USA), Michael Kukrle (Czech Republic), Guy Sagiv (Israel) and Jaka Primozic (Slovenia).  There are a few more in the group but they are already going down the other side of this small rise.  None in the group were seen as a threat by the favorites, so they were free to ride, for now.  The race still had another 162 kilometers to race, so there is plenty of time for these guys to come back into the embrace of the peloton.  I know that Juraj Sagan was one of those who climbed off his bike long before the end of the race.  Others were still off the front in the final laps of the Wollongong City circuit.

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/3907911-28-295031/Painting/100-k-and-still-away-uci22-28.html 

Wollongong 2022, Women's Road Race: The Next to Try

Spela Kern (Slovenia) was the next to try and get away from the grip of the peloton.  While no one was really making a big move in the marquee teams, they also seemed to be of no mine to let anyone get a big gap either.  Even at 54 kilometers to race, the big moves were yet to happen.  Kern may have gone on the attack just to relieve the race boredom she must have been feeling.  It seemed the strong riders were more interested in a race of attrition than trying to put their rivals into serious difficulty.  As of yet, no one was willing to risk losing the race in order to win it. Will it all come down to the final lap?

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/3907615-22-295031/Painting/the-next-to-try-uci22-22.html

Olympics 2020, Now He Goes!

Jakob Fulgsang (Denmark) realized that the race was going up the road.  He jumped clear of the peloton in hopes of bridging up to the two that were off the front.  Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia) didn't have the legs to stay with either the original attack of the move from the Dane.  He can be excused, after all it was only a week ago that he won the Tour de France by a very convincing margin.

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/2020-Summer-Olympics/3826102-5-291661/Painting/now-he-goes-o21-5.html

Olympics 2020, The Next to Get Away

This trio that went off the front next was a bit more threatening.  All three had just finished some great racing in the Tour de France and were more than ready to take it to the peloton.  When they left the peloton on the foothills of Mount Fuji there was no one else up the road.  Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia) looks back over his shoulder to see what king of a gap he, Brandon McNulty (USA) and Michael Woods (Canada) had generated.  With just 37 kilometers left to race of a long, hard day, it was time to get down to the business of winning gold.

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/2020-Summer-Olympics/3826100-4-291661/Painting/the-next-to-get-away-o21-4.html

Olympics 2020: Popping on the Final Climb

With over two hundred kilometers in their legs already, the final climb was taking its toll on many at the back of the peloton.  Some, like Jan Polanc (Slovenia) had been working on the front for their team.  Others, like Eddie Dunbar (Ireland) had launched an attack and been pulled back by the peloton.  And then still others just found the distance and the pace too much like Merhawi Kudus (Eritrea) and the Spanish duo of Alejandro Valverde and Jesus Harrada.  

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/2020-Summer-Olympics/3826099-3-291661/Painting/popping-on-the-final-climb-o21-3.html

Yorkshire 2019 - Elite Men's Road Race: Are We Working?

Richard Carapaz (Ecuador) looked over at his breakaway companion, Jonas Koch (Germany) to ask if they were going to continue with their break, or wait for the chasers.  The duo had gone with Primoz Roglic (Slovenia) who had already sat up to wait for the others.  Behind them another group, about six strong were bridging across.  With a larger group they stood a better chance of staying away from the peloton.  Perhaps they were hoping to repeat the successes of the break aways from virtually every other road race in these UCI Road World Championships.

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.

Please be sure to visit my YouTube Channel and subscribe if you like what you see.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Yorkshire%202019/3400470-43-266225/Are%20We%20Working%20?%20%20UCI19-43.html

Yorkshire 2019 - Elite Men's ITT: Starting the Celebration

It is an extreme rarity to see a rider celebrate his ride in an individual time trial, after all, it is all about time gains and a celebration slows a rider down.  However, Rohan Dennis (Australia) had such a lead (and he can see the clock as he nears the finish) that he allowed himself a luxury of a celebration.  Dennis had pulled out of the Tour this year just ahead of the individual time trial and has been under press scrutiny ever since.  So he can be pardoned his feeling of vindication in defending his Rainbow Jersey in the Elite Men's ITT.  Under his arm the winner of the Vuelta d'Espania, Primoz Roglic (Slovenia) had been caught by Dennis, but out sprinted the Australian to the line.  He was over three minutes behind Dennis on time but couldn't resist the temptation to race to the line.

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.

Please be sure to visit my YouTube Channel and subscribe if you like what you see.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Yorkshire%202019/3395491-28-266225/Starting%20the%20Celebration%20%20UCI19-28.html

Olympics 2018: On Course

I confess that part of the reason I painted Meta Hrovat (Slovenia) was the brilliant green of her ski suit.  Sometimes you just have to go for the colors.  However her run had her finishing with the best time at the end of her run.  Sadly, she eventually slipped down to 14th on the day.  But she looked good doing it!

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available by emailing me at greigsart@gmail.com.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  It is $75 plus shipping.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com.  And yes, international shipping is available.

Bergen 2017, Elite Men's ITT: With Some Time in Hand

The Slovenian, Primoz Roglic, had done a flawless bike change and hit the climb of Mount Floyen with some speed.  As he neared the summit through the tunnel of noise provided by the Norwegian fans, he had time to spare in his quest for the gold medal (and the rainbow jersey).  He set a definitive new best time, that in the end was enough for the silver medal.  Not a bad result for someone who had not enter the converstation prior to this day of racing.  But it is in the legs on the day where the race is one, or lost.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Bergen-2017-UCI-Road-World-Championships/3036226-29-239826/PaintingWith-Some-Time-in-Hand--Bergen-29.html

2014 UCI Worlds: Off the Front

While on the second lap of the 127.4 kilometer course there was a huge pile up started by a single touch of wheels.  It ended with easily thirty women going to the asphalt, the ditches and into tangled piles of limps, wheels and frames.  As they got back underway, it was a slow moving peloton that was trying to figure who was there and who had climbed off their bikes and into a waiting ambulance. The Slovenian rider, Spela Kern, decided that the pace was way too slow and it was time to attack the group.  With nearly 60 kilometers left to race, it was a very long shot that she would be able to stay away to the line.  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.  The painting 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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/2014%20World%20Championships/2442572---202544/Painting.html#.VCcLnM_D_IU