Tour, Stage 15: You Do You

"You do you." is not one of my favored expressions.  It oft carries a bit of a nasty edge to it, implying the the "you" you do is somehow sub-par.  Tony Gallopin (Ag2r La Mondiale) was less than pleased with Nairo Quintana (Movistar) not helping chase those off the front of the early break.  In Quintana's defense, he did have three teammates trying to join up with this group.  Of course, that was not something Gallopin wanted to see happen, nor did he want the Movistar team to have the advantage of numbers.  Gallopin did not have any luck getting the Colombian to pull through.  And yes, the chaser caught on (and then went on from there).

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.  If you enjoy what you see on the channel, please subscribe.  I need to get over a hundred subscribers so I can name the channel, "Art of Cycling"

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3363352-84-263530/You%20Do%20You%20%20TDF19-84.html

Tour, Stage 10: In the Front Group

In Tours past, much has been said about Team Movistar's ability to battle the crosswinds.  And it was oft targets at Nairo Quintana.  Today, the team had two riders in the lead group, both Alejandro Valverde and Quintana.  Sadly, the rest of the team wasn't so attentive.  Wout Poels (Ineos) had been one of the animaters of the split happening but now has dropped to the back of the group to rest from his efforts.  Tony Gallopin (Ag2r La Mondiale) has a turn of his Tour fortunes and was one who held on as the splits opened up.  With just four kilometes left to Albi, it was going to be time gains for the front groups and losses for everyone else.  They may not have won the Tour today, but many lost their chances for victory in Paris.

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.  If you enjoy what you see on the channel, please subscribe.  I need to get over a hundred subscribers so I can name the channel, "Art of Cycling"

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3360188-52-263530/In%20the%20Front%20Group%20%20TDF19-52.html

Tour, Stage 5: Surprises at Every Kilometer

I never know what to expect to happen at any moment during the Tour, neither does the peloton.  I've been watching since the previous century (and reading about it before that) and I have never seen an umbrella blown into the main peloton.  Fortunately for Tony Gallopin (Ag2r La Mondiale) he, nor Matej Mohoric (Bahrain-Merida), went down as a result.  Considering what could have happened, he was happy to just to have been held up for a few seconds as he got himself untangled from the flying debris.  Bob Roll describe it as flying in with everything but Mary Poppins hanging from the bottom.  Kudos, Bobke!

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%20de%20France%202019/3358250-22-263530/Surprises%20at%20Every%20Kilometer%20%20TDF19-22.html

Tour, Stage 4: I've Got This

Tony Gallopin (Ag2r La Mondiale) may have gone down in on of the silly crashes with about 50 kilometers left to race.  When he stopped with a rear flat, he wisely pulled his own back wheel out to help his mechanic make the wheel change that much faster.  As the mechanic got to work, Gallopin took the opportunity to massage his sore right hip, upper quad and buttock.  It is truly all about saving energy, seconds and self management.  After his mechanic got him up and rolling, the team car seemed to forget that they had forgotten to let him back into the car.  You can see the car start to pull out with the door still open and then realize all of the passengers weren't there.  Or it could have been that old joke of moving the car everytime the victim tries to get in, but I doubt it.

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-2018/3185661-18-251072/PaintingI've-Got-This--T18-18.html

Bergen 2017, Elite Men's Road Race: Getting Clear

The commentators for NBC Sports, Bob Roll and Paul Sherwin, had dubbed the short climb prior to Salmon Hill, the "Hill with No Name."  It was there that the Frenchman Tony Gallopin launched his attempt to get clear of the peloton.  He opened up a nice gap almost immediately, even if this the one kilometer where there were no fans watching at the side of the road.  It took a few moments for the peloton to react.  Surprising considering the strenght and reputation of Gallopin.  With the big climb and 13 kilometers yet to go, it was a tall order to stay away to the line.  However, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

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/3038098-54-239826/PaintingGetting-Clear--Bergen-54.html

Paris Nice Stage 2 Cold But Pleased

It was less than ideal riding conditions that found this five man break out ahead of the peloton  Given that two men in this group are mere seconds behind the Yellow Jersey - Philippe Gilbert (Quickstep) and Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) or is it Lotto All In - I am quite surprised they were able to get away  The other three in the group Maarten Wynants (LottoNL Jumbo) Sven Erik Bystrom (Katusha) and Evaldas Siskeuicius (Delko Marseille Provence KTM) must have been thanking their lucky legs to have been able to team up with two such strong and motivated riders  Bystrom must have been hearten to see his country's flag cheering him in the cold wet ride to Amilly

I apologize for the lack of punctuation but the gremlins are still denying me periods commas semi-colons and question marks  Perhaps I will devise a work around before the race reaches the Mediterranean Sea

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2930004-341-195767/PaintingCold%20But%20Pleased%20%20PN17-6.html#.WL4evfkrLIU

Paris Nice Stage 1 On the Attack

The final couple of kilometers of the day featured a small climb that was proving too much for some of the marquee sprinters  First to go was Bryan Coquard (Direct Energie) followed by John Degenkolb (Quickstep) and finally Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal)  With his teammate off the back It was Julian Alaphilippe (Quickstep) who jumped free on a steep section of the approach surprising the ever dwindling lead group  The only one to catch the wheel of the fleeing Frenchman was Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) also now free of working for his team's sprinter  Trying to cover the attack was Luke Rowe (Sky) but all of the work he had already put in on the front of this group left him without the legs to go with the move  With just over two kilometers left in the stage this may well prove to be the winning move

I apologize for the lack of punctuation but the gremlins are still denying me periods commas semi-colons and question marks  Perhaps I will devise a work around before the race reaches the Mediterranean Sea

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2929395-339-195767/PaintingOn%20the%20Attack%20PN17-4.html#.WLzsQPkrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 7b: Teeing It Up

With the final climb under their wheels, the contender's teammates were teeing it up for their guys, or they were riding for themselves.  Jens Debusschere (Lotto Soudal) was on the front to help launch his teammate, Tony Gallopin.  Behind the Frenchman was the man tied for second overall, Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin) in the blue points leader's jersey.  Following him Jack Bauer (Cannondale-Drapac) with the rest of the contenders all in tow.  You can just see the yellow shoulder of the current race leader, Steve Cummings (Dimension Data).  Who will jump first, or more importantly, who will cross the line first?

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%20of%20Britain/2849936-81-189075/PaintingTeeing%20It%20Up%20ToB55-Greig-Leach.html#.V9SvApgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 6: Looking It Over

The domestiques have done their work now it is time for those with a one at the end of their bib numbers to do their work.  Well, Wout Poels (Sky) who launched the first attack on the mid slopes of the Haytor climb is bib number 13.  He is the first racer I have seen with that number who hasn't flipped on of them upside down to avoid the bad luck.  It was Rohan Dennis (BMC) who chased down the attacking Dutchman, bringing another one, Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin) with him.  Joining the aggression at the front of affairs are Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) and Gorka Izaguirre (Movistar).  The quintet is looking back over their collective shoulders to see first who else is trying to bridge across and the whereabouts of the Yellow Jersey of Julian Vermote (Etixx-Quickstep).

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%20of%20Britain/2849687-72-189075/PaintingLooking%20It%20Over%20ToB46-Greig-Leach.html#.V9OJj5grLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 4: Greipel's Train

With a little over eight kilometers left in the longest stage of the Tour, it sure looked like Lotto Soudal had it all together for the victory.  Aiding Andre Greipel (wearing his green and red sprint leader's jersey) were Bean de Bie, Jens Debusschere, Frederick Frison, Marcel Seiberg and now back with his teammates, Tony Gallopin.  Mixing in with the red of Lotto Soudal was Paul Martens (LottoNL Jumbo).  When I painted this, I didn't realize that the third sprint of the day was just around the corner.  Greipel pulled third across that line. but spoiler alert, he didn't factor in the sprint for the stage.  I haven't yet learn why he wasn't in amongst it in Builth Wells.

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%20of%20Britain/2848900-54-189075/PaintingGreipel's%20Train%20ToB28-Greig-Leach.html#.V9DktpgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 4: Attack the Peloton

With all of the break aways back into the fold, it was time for others to go on the offensive.  Team Sky, Etixx-Quickstep and Cannondale-Drapac kept pulling back every attack.  On this steep yet uncatagorized climb, Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) jumped free from the Wout Poels (Sky) led peloton.  On Poels' wheel was the action drama named, Jack Bauer (Cannondale-Drapac).  Gallopin's moved could have been two-fold, one, with hopes of winning the stage, and two putting stress on the opposing teams lead outs in aid of his teammate Andre Greipel.  Whatever the reason, he was back into the fold before five kilometers had rolled under their collective wheels.

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2848894-52-189075/PaintingAttack%20the%20Peloton%20ToB26-Greig-Leach.html#.V9Ddx5grLIU

Tour, Stage 17: Hoping to Stay Away

After Astana had played its cards on both the Col de la Forclaz and the earlier slopes of the climb up Finhaut-Emosson to no avail, it was Dan Martin (Etixx-Quickstep) who was the next to attack the Sky train.  As the Irishman looked over his shoulder to check the gab, he could see Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) sliding back down through the back.  Team Sky has learned not to react to these attacks particularly if the rider is as far down the GC as Martin.  The man on the front for Sky, Wout Poels, will just push a little harder on the down stroke and slowly reel the escapee back in.  As they reel on in another will lose contact with the back of the group, and on and on it goes.  Dan Martin may not have actually been attacking the Maillot Jaune, but rather going on the offensive to move himself up from his tenth place overall.  With others already off the back, any timed gained could move him closer to the podium in Paris.  Closer.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  While you are on the site, be sure to check out my other works of art and my two cycling books.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Bear in mind that this is a one of a kind original and once it is gone, it is gone.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2826275-124-224974/PaintingHoping%20to%20Stay%20Away%20TdF125-Greig-Leach.html#.V5AGj7iAOko

Tour, Stage 17: Putting in the First Move

Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) had little time to enjoy the breath taking views of the Swiss Alps as he jumped away from his erstwhile break away companions.  They all knew that someone would attack on the penultimate climb of the day up the Col de la Forclaz.  It was the Frenchman on the Belgium team who opened up the attacks.  Catching his move from the back of the TV moto, the camera man managed to get his fellow video artiste in the frame.  It is stunning to see the camera men standing on the backs of the motorcycles, completely trusting their drivers to keep them safe.  The drivers in turn have to avoid the cyclists, the fans and counter balance the contortions of their charges all to bring us this amazing footage of every kilometer of the race.  In the heat, the riders will oft times unzip their jersey in an effort to stay cool.  In so doing, they reveal just how pale their chests are, particularly compared to the bronzed arms.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  While you are on the site, be sure to check out my other works of art and my two cycling books.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Bear in mind that this is a one of a kind original and once it is gone, it is gone.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2826262-120-224974/PaintingPutting%20in%20the%20First%20Move%20TdF121-Greig-Leach.html#.V4_yi7iAOko

Tour, Stage 16: On Swiss Roads

Today the peloton crossed over the French border into Switzerland.  I had hoped to catch the riders zooming pass the border guards, but alas, I am restricted to what the French broadcasters provide.  Maybe some day I will be able to use the raw footage every day and have a wider selection of what to paint.  Instead, I thought this was a wonderful image of the peloton speeding along on the wide smooth roads of the Fribourg Canton.  When my older son was in high school, he spent his junior year living in the town of Fribourg, so it is a treat to see the Tour on some of the same roads.  I am sure that Fabrice Jeandesboz (Direct Energie) and Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) couldn't believe the speed that was required to bring the break away back.  A break away that contained both Julian Alaphilippe and Tony Martin of Etixx-Quickstep.  So much for being able to enjoy the scenery!

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  While you are on the site, be sure to check out my other works of art and my two cycling books.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Bear in mind that this is a one of a kind original and once it is gone, it is gone.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2825086-115-224974/PaintingOn%20Swiss%20Roads%20TdF116-Greig-Leach.html#.V40dabgrLIU

Dauphine, Stage 2: A Clear Victory

Many had tried and failed to get away from the clutches of the peloton, including the eventual winners teammate, Ruben Fernandez (Movistar).  But the peloton just caught the remnants of the breakaway allowing Jesus Herrada (Movistar) to out sprint the tiring Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) and Serge Pauwels (Dimension Data).  Yet again, the results of the stage did not change the over all standings that were established in the opening prologue.  Although the time gaps in the lower half of the top ten have shifted just a bit.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  While you are on the site, be sure to check out my other works of art and my two cycling books.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Bear in mind that this is a one of a kind original and once it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Criterium%20du%20Dauphine/2804602-51-185083/Painting.html#.V1eZeJErLIU

Dauphine, Stage 2: Catching Up

Alexis Gougeard (Ag2r La Mondiale) must have been rather disappointed to look over his shoulder to see riders (and quite a few motorcycles).  His fellow countryman, Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal), was leading a quartet of riders up to his wheel including two he had dropped earlier, Lilian Caleneiane (Direct Energie) and Bartosz Huzarski (Bora-Argon 18).  However, just another 30 seconds behind them was the balance of the peloton containing all of the contenders for the overall victory including race leader, Alberto Contador (Tinkoff).

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  While you are on the site, be sure to check out my other works of art and my two cycling books.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Bear in mind that this is a one of a kind original and once it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Criterium%20du%20Dauphine/2804599-50-185083/Painting.html#.V1eWG5ErLIU

Paris Nice Final Stage: It's Up to Him

Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) had a tall order to out ride the talented Richie Porte (Team Sky) who was ahead of him on the road and behind him on the general classification.  Gallopin captured the Maillot Jaune on a brilliant aggressive ride over multiple mountains and a very well timed attack on the final climb of the final road stage.  The Frenchman put everything into putting as much time into the other contenders, perhaps a little too much.  The Lotto Soudal team leader is not the caliper of those behind him on the GC when it comes to time trialing as proven by his intermediate time check that was 58 seconds behind Porte's time.  Enough of a time difference to lose yellow, now he is racing just to finish on the podium.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting, along with all of my art of the 72nd Paris Nice, 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.  If you are enjoying reading about bike races with the accompanying artwork please be sure to check out my recently published, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller around the world.  Just google the title to find out where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525978---195767/Painting.html#.VQXKqI7F-xU

Paris Nice Stage 6: One Kilometer to Yellow

It may well have been raining on the Cote d'Azur, but nothing was going to dampen the spirits of this Frenchman.  Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) had escaped on the final climb of Paris Nice road stages and had continued to press his advantage all the way down to the sea.  Behind him a group of four chasers could never gain on him and the third group on the road of Geraint Thomas, Richie Porte (both Team Sky) and Michal Kwiatkowski (Etixx-Quickstep) dropped further and further back.  The trio lost over a minute to the rider from France and the new Maillot Jaune.  With the time bonuses factor in, Gallopin has a 36 second lead going into the final stage of Paris Nice, a short steep uphill Individual Time Trial that will decide the final victor of the race.  The last time aFrenchman won the Race to the Sun was way back in 1997.  There truly is a renaissance in French cycling.  It should be noted that Gallopin was the only French rider to wear the Maillot Jaune in the last Tour de France.

This is a small original watercolor and ink 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.  If you are enjoying reading about this race with the accompanying artwork, please check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through most every online bookseller around the world, so just google the title to find where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525790---195767/Painting.html#.VQSkuY7F-xU

Paris Nice Stage 6: Look Then Go

Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) took a page from an old hand book.  He seemed to copy the famed "look" that Lance Armstrong gave to Jan Ullrich before going on the attack.  Gallopin must have seen something in the eyes of Michal Kwiatkowski (Etixx-Quickstep) that told him the Yellow Jersey would not be able to follow his attack.  Kwiatkowski had used all of his teammates attacking Richie Porte on the previous descent, whereas Gallopin still had a comrade in Tim Wellers who is sitting right behind.

This is a small original watercolor and ink 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.  If you are enjoying reading about this race with the accompanying artwork, please check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through most every online bookseller around the world, so just google the title to find where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525772---195767/Painting.html#.VQSbf47F-xU

Paris Nice Stage 2: Shedding Layers

Stage 2 of Paris Nice started wet and cold, but as the race competition heated up at the end of the stage so, too, did the racers.  Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) has dropped back to his team car to pass over his arm warmers and get a little bit of strategic advice from his Director Sportif.  Lotto Soudal has the big German National Champion sprinter, Andre Greipel, on their team.  Gallopin wants to make sure they have a sound plan to make Greipel the first to cross the line at day's end.  Gallopin made a huge name for himself last year in the Tour de France, he was the only French rider to wear the Maillot Jaune and he wore it on Bastille Day.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting (for only $50 USD plus shipping) just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

If you are enjoying the artwork and accompanying text, be sure to check out my recently published book of the 2014 Tour de France, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  You can find it at most any online book seller world wide.  Simply google the title to learn where you can get the book and save on international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2523064---195767/Painting.html#.VP9eQPzF-xU