Paris Nice 2022: Two Out of Three

The title comes from the fact that two out of these three riders have been in at least one of the previous break aways in Paris Nice.  The odd man out was Owain Doull (EF Education-EasyPost).  Conversely, Alexis Gougeard (B&B Hotels-KTM) has made it into a break three times out of three stages.  Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) has done it yesterday and today.  One thing is for sure, none of them will be in a break tomorrow since it is a day of racing against the clock in the individual time trial.

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/Paris-Nice/3870934-47-272742/Painting/two-out-of-three-pn22-10.html

TDF, Stage 15: Adding Points

Michael Matthews (BikeExchange) went in the early break with the intention of getting to the intermediate sprint first. The first to go off the front was the break away man himself, Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal).  Everyone expected him to go, so everyone wanted to join him in the effort. The break had grown to 32.  Matthews has the ability to climb better than most sprinters so he was able to get over the early uncategorized climbs to vie more maximum sprint points in his quest to take the Maillot Vert off the shoulders of Cavendish.  Davide Ballerini (Deceuninck-Quick Step), Cav's teammate tried to out sprint the Aussie sprinter in hopes of minimizing the points Matthews could collect.  Cav still has a substantial lead in the competition, however he got no points today.  If Matthews can keep up this raid on the following mountain stages, he could just be the one wearing the Maillot Vert in Paris.

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 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/2021-Tour-de-France/3823330-91-291436/Painting/adding-points-tdf21-90.html

TDF, Stage 6: This Is a Strong One!

As soon as the flag was dropped to start the stage the break away attempts started.  It was eight guys that got away, but since some were part of sprinter's teams, it was not a cohesive whole.  That prompted Greg Van Avermaet (Ag2r-Citroen) to try to drop the others.  His move was quickly covered by Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal).  The duo was later joined by Georg Zimmermann (Intermache-Wanty Gobert) and Nils Politt.  Admittedly, Politt too was a member of one of the sprinters hoping for victory when the peloton reached Chateauroux.  

A side note, the last time I did a painting that included Thomas De Gendt, it was the same day I had had surgery to donate one of my kidneys.  It was done as a paired exchange to help my wife get a much needed kidney transplant much quicker.  We are now both doing very well.  And De Gendt is still trying to escape the clutches of the peloton in the Tour de France.  Unlike our surgeries, De Gendt wasn't successful then, nor was he 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/2021-Tour-de-France/3821492-33-291436/Painting/this-is-a-strong-one-tdf21-32.html

Tour, Stage 17: One Giving Chase

 First let me start by saying I've just had major surgery, I donated a kidny on the 16th.  This is the one painting I was able to do on that day.  So please forgive me any factual mistakes or unseen typos.  I am wirting this about a day and a half afte getting out of the OR.

That being said, I believe this is Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) giving chase to the break aways going up the road.  I don't think he ever got across, which says somthing about the groups up the road.

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-de-France-2020/3703068-114-282744/Painting/one-giving-chase-tdf20-108.html

Tour, Stage 7: It Was Only a Question of When

First, this post should have become before the previous on featuring Julian Alaphilippe.

It is never a question of if Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) will go on a solo break in hopes of a stage win, it is only a question of when.  As the lead peloton crested the final climb of the day, the Col du Peyronnenc, De Gendt took advantage of a easing of the pace to launch his attack.  With about 50 kilometers of general downhill (and flat) roads to go it was possible that this breakaway specialist could hold off the peloton.  However, he would need them to decide on having reached their goals for the day.  And for Peter Sagan to be willing to sprint for minor placings and adding fewer points to his tally in his quest for his eighth Maillot Vert, neither were even close to a sure thing.

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-de-France-2020/3692261-43-282744/Painting/it-was-only-a-matter-of-when-tdf20-37.html

Paris Nice, Final Stage: What He Does

Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) took the opportunity of the final climb of Paris Nice, the Valdeblore la Colmaine to do one of the things he does best.  While De Gendt is great at chasing down break aways, or he can be seen hanging around the back of the peloton, what he is most known for is going off on long solo break aways.  Having dropped the rest of his former break away companions, he now had over a minute on the chasing reduced peloton with just fourteen kilometers of climbing left to race.  Could he be about to take another stage victory?

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/Paris-Nice/3492476-33-272742/Painting/what-he-does-pn20-33.html

Paris Nice, Final Stage: Taking on the Race

It was this group of five were taking the race on.  With today having been set as the final stage, it was a now or never situation.  In the middle is Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick Step) who at this point is the Maillot Jaune Virtuale.  With another 36 K to race, the final 20 being a climb up to Valdeblore la Colmaine, it remains to be seen if the peloton was going to let them all stay away.  Joining the rather popular Frenchman were, Aurelien Paret Peintre (Ag2r La Mondiale), Alberto Bettiol (EF Pro Cycling), Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) and leading the group the Maillot a Pois of Nicolas Edet (Cofidis).  Edet clearly got back into the group after his mechanical.

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/Paris-Nice/3492469-32-272742/Painting/taking-on-the-race-pn20-32.html

Tour, Stage 8: Looking for Home

Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) had led from the very first kilometer of this 200 kilometer stage into Saint Etienne.  With just two left to go it looked like he had enough of a lead on the chasing Frenchmen to lead it from start to finish.  He did.  So you see, the break away does win on the rare occasion.  I am quite sure he will wear the red bib number of most combative.  And he moved himself into second place behind his teammate in the Maillot a Pois competition.  Not a bad day's work.

Watch this time lapse video as this painting comes to life...

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

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3359464-43-263530/Looking%20for%20Home%20%20TDF19-43.html

Tour, Stage 8: Helping Hand

There are multiple interpretations of this title, and they all apply.  First is the sticky bottle, that gives a short tow for the rider grabbing the bottle.  Secondly, the information and nutrition from the team car can be a life saver of help.  And finally, while Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) went on the attack, he needed the assistance of Alessandro De Marchi (CCC) if he wanted to win the stage in Saint Etienne.

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

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3359447-39-263530/Helping%20Hand%20%20TDF19-39.html

Tour, Stage 7: Fair Warning

Whether on a club ride or in a pro peloton, it is the responsiblity of the lead riders to point out road dangers along the route.  Tony Martin (Jumbo-Visma) does his part, and later those behind, pointing out a traffic island that could be bad for those who don't know it is there.  It was right in the best line around the corner in this small town.  To bad TeJay didn't get such a good alert a while back down the road.

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

Or watch as I paint this painting in this time lapse clip.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3359067-36-263530/Fair%20Warning%20%20TDF19-36.html

Tour, Stage 6: Free to Ride

Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) had spent most of the stage riding in service of the Maillot a Pois on the shoulders of his teammate Tim Wellens.  Apparently, Wellens had given De Gendt the nod to go out on his own.  De Gendt was either free to go for the stage, or he was trying to get the rest of the break to tire themselves chasing  so that Wellens could mop up the rest of the King of the Mountains points.  Behind the strong man from Belgium was the ever present Mavic moto reday to lend a wheel. I am sure the team car was staying behind with Wellens.

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

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3358793-30-263530/Free%20to%20Ride%20%20TDF19-30.html

This painting has sold!

Tour Down Under, Stage 4: Neutral Service

Along with the riders team cars, the race caravan includes neutral service vehicles ready to meet the needs of racers from every team in the race.  Since Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) is up in the break and his team car is behind the chasing peloton, he gets a bidon from the Shimano neutral service car.  De Gendt must have thought he was in Europe going to the left side of the car forgeting that the driver sits on the right in Australia.  Never the less, he was able to quench his thirst in the hot South Australian weather (although not as hot as the previous three stages).

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-Down-Under/3286112-131-194179/PaintingNeutral-Service--TDU19-13.html

Tour, Stage 13: Against Hope

The title may be a bit extreme, but these four guys have little hope of succeeding today.  While Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) has pulled of a break away win in the Tour before, the sprinters still left in the race are going to want to seize one of their last opportunities before the Champs Elysees.  In fact this foursome, that also includes, Tom Scully (EF Education First), Michael Schar (BMC) and Dimitri Claeys (Cofidis).  You can see one of the press photographers getting some images of the race from the back of a motorcycle. 

I talk more about press motorcycles, creating this painting, and the race thus far in this You Tube video. I am sharing my thoughts on the race as I create a watercolor from each stage as the race progresses.  Please subscribe to the channel to catch every painting from every stage.

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-2018/3190722-70-251072/PaintingAgainst-Hope--T18-69.html

Tour Down Under, Stage 5: Looking for the Top

As the break started up the penultimate climb of Willunga Hill (and of the day and the Tour Down Under), it was the leader of the King of the Mountains, Nicholas Dlamini (Dimension Data) that was battling it out for points with Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) and Scott Bowden (UniSA-Australia).  The effort was being watched intently by the race commisare sticking his out through the roof of the following car. 

When I titled this piece I didn't know just how prophetic I was being.  As they approached the banner that had marked the KOM points line in every previous stage, De Gendt motioned for Dlamini to go ahead and claim the points.  After apparently giving Dlamini enough points to secure the jersey, De Gendt pressed on crossing the line at the top of the mountain (that would be the finishing line next time up) first.  It turned out that was where the KOM points were awarded placing Dlamini second over the summit.  It may not effect the final destination of the jersey, but it shouldn't have happened.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. To purchase this artwork, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3099763-111-194179/PaintingLooking-for-the-Top-TDU18-24.html

Tour Down Under, Stage 1: Getting Ready

With the peloton closing in on the lone leader, it was time to get ready for the finale.  Admittedly, it was still another 49 kilometers to the final line in Lyndoch, but preparations must be made.  Ramunas Navardouskas (Bahrain Merida) made sure his sprinter, Domenico Pozzovivo, had enough to eat out of the musette.  He on the other hand seemed to be taking energy from a small can of Coke, while trying to stay as cool as possible in the heat of the Australian summer.  Tucked onto the wheels of Bahrain Merida, were the newly kitted men of Lotto Soudal.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com  To purchase this artwork, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3098221-95-194179/PaintingGetting-Ready-TDU18-2.html

Vuelta, Stage 19: Finally!

Thomas de Gendt (Lotto Soudal) has been in multiple breaks in this Vuelta and finally he got his stage victory.  It was a bit heartbreaking for Ivan Garcia (Bahrain-Merida), the stage ended in his home town.  Garcia had attacked the rest of the break with twenty kilometers left to race.  It kept looking like he would be able to solo to the line for his first Grand Tour stage win, and doing it on roads he had ridden has a kid.  He jumped first, but de Gendt had the power to get around the local boy, who finished the day in third.  Still given that he is a neo-phyte, it was some big name company that he crossed the line with.  It was the former World Champion, Rui Costa (UAE) who tooked second on the day.

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/Vuelta-2017/3031013-48-239162/PaintingFinally!-V-49.html

Vuelta, Stage 13: Down to Two

Despite having been in mulitple breaks in this year's Vuelta, it was Alessandro de Marchi (BMC) and Thomas de Gendt (Lotto Soudal) who rode away from their erstwhile French companions.  However, it looks like de Gendt is trying to beat a cramp out of his right leg.  No wonder the bright sun and 39 degree celsius temperatures weren't helping matters.  With just fifteen kilometers left to race, and the loss now of de Gendt, de Marchi had very little hope of holding off the peloton, but no point in surrendering now.

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/Vuelta-2017/3024811-17-239162/PaintingDown-to-Two-V-18.html

Vuelta, Stage 13: Against the Odds

With a stage that is ear marked for the sprinters, these four were playing against the odds to take the stage.  But as Alexis Gougeard's (Ag2r La Mondiale) teammates motto states, "Take the risk or lose the chance."  Joining the Frenchman in the most likely vain effort were two riders who seemed to have been in every break of this Vuelta, Thomas de Gendt (Lotto Soudal) and Alessandero de Marchi (BMC).  Sandwiched between those two was the other Frenchman, Arnaud Courteille (FDJ).  It was a little odd not to see a Spaniard go for it on the long, hot stage to Sevilla.

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/Vuelta-2017/3024802-16-239162/PaintingAgainst-the-Odds-V017.html

Tour Down Under Final Stage I've Got You!

Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) had first gone on the attack way too early  He was caught by the peloton before the first intermediate sprint and I feared his bid to claim the King of the Mountains' Polka Dot Jersey were dashed  Instead as the pack approached the Montefiore Hill for the tenth time he pops out being lead by his teammate Adam Hansen  The duo broke clear and De Gendt was able to claim three KOM points thus securing the Polka Dot Jersey as his own for the 2017 Tour Down Under (assuming he is able to finish the stage)

I apologize the punctuation gremlins have return to my computer leaving me with not periods commas or colons unless I use the follow cut and paste section

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/Tour%20Down%20Under/2908833-130-194179/PaintingI've%20Got%20You!%20TDU17-32.html#.WIUpv_krLIU

Tour Down Under Final Stage There Is Work to Be Done

The final stage of the Tour Down Under was a relatively short circuit race through the downtown streets of Adelaide  The course feature a small climb that would figure two times in the King of the Mountains competition and two intermediate sprints that included bonus seconds for overall General Classification  The course was just a quick four and a half kilometers giving every rider a chance to become very familiar with every hill turn and bump in the road  With just one lap covered Gianluca Brambilla (Quickstep) and Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) went off the front  De Gendt may have been staying off the front until the tenth lap to pick up maximum KOM points to win the Polka Dot Jersey outright but that is a pick task

I apologize the punctuation gremlins have return to my computer leaving me with not periods commas or colons unless I use the follow cut and paste section

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/Tour%20Down%20Under/2908815-127-194179/PaintingThere%20Is%20Work%20to%20Be%20Done%20TDU17-29.html#.WIUgQvkrLIU