Tour de France, Stage 18: Chasing One Man

With their countryman Romain Bardet (Ag2r) up the road, the quartet of Cyril Gautier and Pierre Rolland from Europcar, along with Bob Jungels (Trek Factory Racing) and Winner Anacona (Movistar) chased as hard as they could.  The final climb up Lacets de Montvernier was a new one to the Tour having never been scaled by the peloton, or any other Pro Tour race.  It was an amazing zig zagging scaling of a cliff wall that included 17 switchbacks to reach the top.  Fortunately, these men in spandex didn't have to come down this "Jacob's Ladder".  Try as they might the loan Frenchman continued to pull away from this foursome, even on the climb.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Co., www.richesonart.com.  They are a small US based family run art supply company that has really wonderful products for art making.  This painting, and all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Be aware that because it is an original one of a kind work, once it has sold it is gone. So, don't delay.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2584034-122-210122/Painting.html#.VbFLhflViko

Tour de France, Stage 14: Don't Even Think About It

The 14th stage of the Tour got going with a long climb and a big group breakaway living in hopes of a detente in the main peloton.  One of those to join the early break was Peter Sagan (Tinkoff Saxo).  Sagan used his climbing abilities to go with the escapees intending to be the first to cross the intermediate sprint line.  Sagan's second place helped to solidify his lead in the Maillot Vert competition, but picking up another 20 points midway through the stage surely wouldn't hurt.  Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) was already off the back on the main peloton and wasn't going to be contesting any sprints either here or at the line in Mende.  Sagan looked back over his shoulder daring either Ruben Plaza (Lampre-Merida) or Bob Jungels (Trek Factory Racing) to try and steal any of the sprint points on offer.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Co., www.richesonart.com.  Plus, this painting, and all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, since this is a one of a kind original work of art, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2581986---210122/Painting.html#.Vas7d_lViko

Tour de France Stage 3: Losing Wheels

Both the winds and the injuries from the two big crashes took their toll on the peloton.  As the race got back underway, many found it too hard to hold onto the wheels of those ahead.  One of those who was losing the wheel ahead of him was Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing).  Not only was he losing the wheel in front, he was also losing his Maillot Jaune and any chance of winning a stage in the 2015 Tour.  Cancellara was one of those who went head over heals landing hard on the dirt beside the road when William Bonnet (FDJ) had a touch of wheels that set of a disturbing chain reaction.  Cancellara is just coming back from a crash on these same roads in the Spring Classics that cracked one of his vertebrae.  Hanging on to Cancellara's wheel is Damien Gaudin (AG2R), another of those who left most of his jersey and some of his skin on the roads of Belgium.

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, a family run art supply company with incredible products for all sorts of artistic endeavors.  Their website is www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But don't delay, since it is an original there is only one of these paintings available and you wouldn't want to miss your opportunity to have a piece of art from the 102nd Tour de France.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2577156---210122/Painting.html#.VZt2GvlViko

Tour de France Stage 3: Last Minute Adjustments

Every stage in a Grand Tour will start with a neutral section.  This is sort of a promenade to let the crowds downtown see the riders but it keeps the riders safe by not having them race flat out in a large group.  Usually by the end of the stage the 198 riders are no longer all together so it isn't as dangerous to race on the city streets.  As the peloton got underway from Anvers, Fabian Contador (Trek Factory Racing), resplendent in his Maillot Jaune (the 29th of his career), took the time to make sure his radio was functioning properly.  I am always struck by how the mechanics are able to effect all sorts of repairs on a moving bicycle while hanging out the window of a moving car.  I wonder just how many are missing fingers from the blade spokes of the wheels.

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, a family run art supply company with incredible products for all sorts of artistic endeavors.  Their website is www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But don't delay, since it is an original there is only one of these paintings available and you wouldn't want to miss your opportunity to have a piece of art from the 102nd Tour de France.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2577148---210122/Painting.html#.VZtp5_lViko

Tour de France Stage 2: The Throw for the Line

The group of 20 some riders that got away never saw the rest of the peloton again.  With several of the marquee sprinter's in the group, in fact only Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) was missing from the front of the race, it was going to shake out to be a very exciting sprint for the line.  Mark Cavendish (Etixx Quickstep) was forced to go too early, so as he faded, Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) was able to get around the Manx Missile for the first road stage victory of the Tour.  Greipel just held off the charging Peter Sagan (Tinkoff Saxo) with Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing) grabbing the final podium spot.  More importantly for Cancellara his third place finish earned him enough bonus seconds to put him into the Maillot Jaune.  Greipel's win earned him the Maillot Vert, his first ever at the Tour de France.

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.  In addition, this painting is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But do hurry, since it is an original there is only one of these to be had.  International shipping is available, too.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2576854---210122/Painting.html#.VZorTvlViko

Tour de France Stage 1: Chasing Them Down

In an individual time trial, each rider leaves the start gate in one minute intervals, so it is unusual for one rider to catch the man ahead of him on the road.  However, when the man on the bike is Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing) even the former World Road Racing Champion, Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida) can't keep from being caught.  With the time that Rohan Dennis had posted, the only man who still had a realistic chance of taking over the lead was Spartacus (Cancellara's nick name in the peloton).  But even the man who was once accused of hiding a motor in his bike couldn't take the lead from the Australian Dennis.

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.  This painting and all of my cycling art is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2576534---210122/Painting.html#.VZinUPlViko

Giro Final Stage: Starting an Arguement

With two riders up the road the points on offer for the remaining positions in the intermediate sprints were greatly reduced.  It is theorized that Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek Factory Racing) and Sacha Modolo (Lampre Merida) had come to an arrangement that neither would sprint for the victory at the intermediate sprint leaving it all for the final sprint.  It seems that someone started to go for the early sprint, perhaps interpreting that since the breakaway had "won" the sprint, they were free to attack all of the other sprint hopefuls.  With the point differential in the race for the Red Jersey so tight, tempers seemed to be on edge.  Nizzolo appears to reach out and grab the jersey of Modolo right before Nizzolo and Trek Factory racing attacked for the remaining sprint points.  In the ensuing laps, the pair literally butted heads, shoulders and elbows.  Fortunately, the feathers seemed to have been back in place by the end of the stage, otherwise a head butt could have sent bikes and bodies flying all over the place.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from the small family run art supply company, Jack Richeson and Company.  There website is www.richesonart.com.  Plus, this painting is available through my artist website for only $50 USD, plus shipping (international is available) at www.greigleach.com.  To get this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post, but don't delay.  This is an original work of art, so when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2561844---184157/Painting.html#.VWvBhM9Viko

Giro Stage 18: Traffic Jam

The narrow roads and the steep climb at the end of a long flat stage, combined with some very tired legs to cause another pile up of carbon, flesh and spandex.  A number of teams were caught out in the delay or like Team Sky, scrambling to provide their riders with enough replacement bikes to get back underway.  One rider wasn't able to get back on his bike, Stig Broeckx (Lotto Soudal).  The Ethiopian National Champion, Tsgabu Grmay (Lampre) took the opportunity to stretch out his back while he waited for the road to clear.  Other caught behind the log jam of bicycles included Fabio Aru and most of Astana, along with the current holder of the Red Sprinter's Jersey, Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek Factory Racing).  These delays are one of the reasons the GC men want to be near the front of the peloton, one never knows when the clock is going to count against you.

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,  They are a lovely family run art supply business with some really fine products.  This painting is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2560826---184157/Painting.html#.VWfWnc_BzGc

Giro Stage 17: A Perfect Delivery

This painting earned the title of "Bridget's Favorite" for stage 17.  Bridget is my wife of almost 35 years and it is her brilliance that got me to start painting my absolute favorite sport.  I race as an amateur way back in the 70's and have continued to ride longer distance ever since.  Having the opportunity to combine my two main passions of art making and cycling, is an unbelievable joy.

Lampre Merida delivered their sprinter, Sacha Modolo, to the final 200 meters with perfection.  While all of the other teams lost too many men on the sharp climb that crested with 4 kilometers to go, Lampre brought two men to lead out Modolo to the 2 kilometers of the flat approach to the finish.  While Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek Factory Racing) was denied the stage victory, his second place at the line combined with his best of the rest at the last intermediate sprint was enough points to take over the Maglia Russo of the points jersey.  Luka Mezgec (Giant Alpecin) was left still searching for his first stage victory.

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, www.richesonart.com.  This painting, and all of my cycling art, 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.  It is a one of a kind original painting, so don't delay.  When it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2560572---184157/Painting.html#.VWappflViko

Giro Stage 13: Fast Twitch

Stage 13 turned out to be rather unlucky for a number of the GC contenders, and unbelievable lucky for others.  A crash just outside of the magical 3 kilometer point, meant that time gaps caused by the crash would not be neutralized.  Fabio Aru (Astana) and Rigoberto Aru (Etixx Quickstep) were not delayed, however Alberto Contador was held up for almost two minutes, and the continually unlucky Richie Porte (Sky) was held up even longer.  Porte was one of those who hit the ground.  Ironically, the crash happen on the one straight section of road in the last four kilometers.  Contador's delay meant that Aru has taken the Maglia Rosa and Contador now trails by 33 seconds.  That should make for an exciting individual time trial tomorrow.

At the finish, Lampre-Merida wrestled control of the remaining members of the peloton from Trek Factory Racing.  Sacha Modolo (Lampre-Merida) reward his teammates effort by just holding off the charging Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek Factory Racing).  Nizzolo had run out of lead out men and was forced to freelance his sprint.  Elia Viviani's (Sky) third place finish was enough for him to reclaim the Maglia Rosso, the Sprinter's Red Jersey.

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, find them online at www.richesonart.com.  This painting is available for purchase through my artist website for only $50 USD at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But, don't delay, this is an original one of a kind work of art.  Once it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2558532---184157/Painting.html#.VWANNflViko

Giro Stage 13: Assembling the Train

Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek Factory Racing) got his team to the front of the peloton before the technical part of the course started with a sharp right hand turn.  Trek Factory Racing was concerned about cornering on the wet roads.  The didn't want to risk being further back in the pack as they swung through the tricky corners.  The last thing they wanted was to go down or get caught behind a crash thus missing out on a chance to claim the stage.

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, find them online at www.richesonart.com.  This painting is available for purchase through my artist website for only $50 USD at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But, don't delay, this is an original one of a kind work of art.  Once it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2558522---184157/Painting.html#.VWAJBPlViko

Giro Stage 13: Splashing Along

The peloton didn't let the breakaway built up much of a time gap.  The teammates of the sprinters did the work of pegging the gap around a minute to a minute and a half.  The effort was shared by Lampre Merida, Trek Factory Racing, and Lotto Soudal.  The rain made it difficult to tell who was who.  Between off team colors race capes and covered race bibs, it was almost a guessing game to identify one rider from another.

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, find them online at www.richesonart.com.  This painting is available for purchase through my artist website for only $50 USD at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But, don't delay, this is an original one of a kind work of art.  Once it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2558516---184157/Painting.html#.VWAGTPlViko

Giro Stage 10: Working for the Sprinters

With the break away about 3 minutes up the road, it was time for the teams of the sprinters to get onto the front of the peloton and chase down the escapees. Fumiyuki Beppu (Trek Factory Racing) along with members of  Lotto Soudal and Giant Alpecin started chasing, but the peloton may have left it a bit late.  The general rule of thumb is that the peloton can pull back a minute every ten kilometers.  Using that formula, it looks like the early break has a very slim chance of making it to the line without getting caught.  The chance is even better since only three riders are chasing the five up front.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolor and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company, www.richesonart.com.  They are a small family run art supply business that has an incredible area of fine art and craft products.  The painting is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, not a print, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2556776---184157/Painting.html#.VVvPLPlViko

Giro Stage 8: Are You Coming?

These three road away from the morning break away planning to fight it out on the final climb up to Campitello Matese.  With over 150 kilometers (and seven and a half stage of the Giro) in their legs, Carlos Betancur (AG2R) and Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo) started questioning whether Kristof Vandewalle (Trek Factory Racing) was doing his fair share of the work to stay away.  The riders will take turns drafting off of each other, the cyclist behind the lead man will use roughly 30% less energy than the guy with his nose in the wind.  Betancur and Kruijswijk didn't want to give Vandewalle a free ride that would allow him to best them on the climb.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson and Company, www.richesonart.com.  They are a lovely small family run art supply company that has some of my favorite media.  The painting is also available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But don't delay, these are original one of a kind paintings and when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2555124---184157/Painting.html#.VVfZoCFViko

Giro Stage 7: Setting Something Up

As the peloton neared both the break away and the end of the longest stage of the Giro, it appeared that BMC was interested in setting up a spring board for their man, Philippe Gilbert.  The stage seemed tailor made for the former World Champion, with two steep climbs within the final 15 kilometers of the 256 kilometer stage.  Trek Factory Racing and Movistar were keeping a close eye on the Swiss team, making sure they would be able to follow any moves from the in black and red.

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.  In addition, this painting and all of my cycling art 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.  And yes, international shipping is available.  Do act quickly to get your own piece of the 98th Giro d'Italia.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2554766---184157/Painting.html#.VVboGyFViko

Giro Stage 7: The Best of the Rest

Elia Viviani (Team Sky) lost his sprinter's Maglia Rosso to yesterday's stage winner, Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal).  He just had to earn three points to reclaim the lead in that competition.  With the four man break up the road, that was exactly how many points will still on offer at the stage's intermediate sprint points.  He faced Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek Factory Racing) at each of the sprints along the way.  And was a little annoyed that Nizzolo was trying to deny him the jersey.  Nizzolo really is too far down in the points tally to have a chance of claiming the Maglia Rosso, so his sprinting came off as a little cheeky.

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.  In addition, this painting and all of my cycling art 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.  And yes, international shipping is available.  Do act quickly to get your own piece of the 98th Giro d'Italia.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2554496---184157/Painting.html#.VVZWjiFViko

Giro Stage 6: The Breakaway Killer

On a sprinter's team, there is always one guy whose job it is to get on the front of the peloton and chase down any break that is up the road.  Giant Alpecin not only has some great sprinters, they also have one of the best break away killers, Ji Cheng.  Fortunately for Cheng, other teams put a guy on the front to work on behalf of their fast men.  So LottoNL Jumbo, Lotto Soudal and Trek Factory Racing all aided in the effort to reel the escapees back into the fold.

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.  You can find all of their wonderful art supplies at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  All of the cycling art sells for only $50 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2554254---184157/Painting.html#.VVVukSFViko

Giro Stage 3: Tickled Pink

Winning a stage in one of the three Grand Tours is a rare moment in any professional cyclist career. To win one while wearing the Tour's leader's jersey is a special moment indeed.  So it was for Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEdge) as he threw his arms wide in the pure joy of the accomplishment.  Matthews held off Fabio Felline (Trek Factory Racing) and Philippe Gilbert (BMC).  Gilbert had been collecting points and bonus seconds along the road apparently targeting the  Giro's Sprinter's Jersey (although he didn't make it into this painting).  Just missing the podium in Sestri Levante is Francesco Gavazzi (Southeast).

This is an original small watercolor and ink painting that is available for purchase through my artists website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post to get your piece of the 98th Giro d'Italia.  International shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2553050---184157/Painting.html#.VVGNWiHBzGc

Giro Stage 2: Time to Chat

With apologies to the teams that raced so beautifully as one in the opening stage of the Giro d'Italia, I have only started recording my artistic impressions of my favorite of the Grand Tours with the first open road stage of the 98th running of the "Fight for Pink."  I have had some personal family issues that have distracted me and taken most of the last four weeks to bring to conclusion.  But now, on to today's stage to Genova.  As per usual, the day was marked with an early break that sucked up all of the intermediate sprint victories, but left a few points remaining for the peloton.  Trek Factory Racing seemed to be interested in getting as many of the crumbs as possible.  These two had some time to talk a little strategy on the way 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.  They are a small family owned art supply company in Wisconsin, USA, that have some very wonderful media to chose from.  In addition, this painting (and all of my cycling art) 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.  International shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2552484-142-138-184157/Painting/Sports.html#.VU_gcSHBzGc

Paris Roubaix: Waiting on the Train

Professional bike racing is done on the open road.  While the gendarme do all they can to close off the roadways, the trains still have a time schedule to keep.  It seems that every year some group of riders are caught at a railroad crossing as the gates come down across the road.  This year more riders than normal skirted around the gates trying to beat the train, which should call for disqualification.  Instead those that went through as the gates began to close where held by the referee until this group rejoined them.  At least for all involved, it was a TGV bullet train so the wait wasn't long at all.  Not so good for those trying to join back on from behind.  Some of those waiting impatiently included; Julien Morcie (Europcar), Yaroslav Popovych (Trek Factory Racing) and Dylan Van Baarle (Cannondale Garmin).

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular watercolor just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  International shipping is available.

If you are enjoying reading about Paris Roubaix with the accompanying artwork, be sure to search out my recently published, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France".  It can be found through most every online bookseller around the world.  Google the title to discover where you can get a copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2541132---195767/Painting.html#.VSr8XfnF-xU