Paris Roubaix: Who Is Going to Chase Him?

After Boonen (OPQS) had bridged up to the break and later attack that group, it was the sprinter Peter Sagan (Team Cannondale) that set off from the peloton to join up with the group up the road.  Once they had all reeled Boonen back in it was Sagan's turn to go for the solo attack hoping to catch them all napping.  He attacked just as the group caught Boonen, slowed and started looking at each other to see who had anything left.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com or you could just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2345299---195767/Painting.html#.U0ryv8_D_IU

Paris Roubaix: Going Again

Tom Boonen (OPQS) was quite entertaining in the break trying to get everyone to ride hard, however none wanted to carry him to the finish.  There was quite a bit of angry gesturing going on before he put that anger into the pedals and road them all off of his wheel on the third to last section of pave.  He came to this race with a mission and wasn't going to let a bunch of passengers slow him down.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that can be yours by visiting my artist website at www.greigleach.com or you could just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2345275---195767/Painting.html#.U0rpbM_D_IU

Paris Roubaix: Up to Half a Minute

A holdover from the days before race radios the race organization provides a motorcycle with a chalkboard who will ride between each group on the road showing them the time gaps.  This is so low tech that it is done with a stop watch and written with chalk on a traditional chalkboard.  Some races have gone to the dry erase board which will work a little better in the rain.  This is the break with Thor Hushovd (BMC), Simon Geraints (Sky) and now with Tom Boonen (OPQS) who have the power to stay away to the finish.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available for purchase through my artist website, www.greigleach.com or you could just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2345233---195767/Painting.html#.U0rfNM_D_IU

Paris Roubaix: Pressing Their Advantage

Once the early break had been caught, it was time for the contenders and pretenders to have a go at getting away from the fast moving peloton.  The average speed of the 260 kilometer stage was roughly 45 kilometers per hour, so it took a great deal of effort for Thor Hushovd (BMC) in his Norwegian Champion Jersey and company to get away and form the second eight rider break of the day.  Behind this group, Tom Boonen (OPQS) realized that he wanted in with a strong man like Thor.  Both riders are former wearers of the Rainbow Jersey of World Road Race Champion, both wearing the rainbow stripes on the sleeves of their team kit.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that can be yours by visiting my artist website at www.greigleach.com or you could just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2345187---195767/Painting.html#.U0rZps_D_IU

Paris-Nice Stage 2: Heads Down Legs Churning

The stage ended with a false flat climb up to the finishing line making the sprint just that much harder.  Add to that the bonus seconds for placing and it made for a very aggressive drive for the line that even the Yellow Jersey had to be part of.  While the stage went to the fast charging Moreno Hofland (Team Belkin), Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ) successfully defended his Maillot Jeune and John Degenkolb (Giant-Shimano) moved himself up into second overall.  The finish was so tight there was no time for the traditional arms in the air victory salute.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that can be yours by visiting my artist website, www.greigleach.com or you could just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2325515---195767/Painting.html#.Ux5qYs_D_IU