La Course: Trying to Escape

With the first break away back in the fold, several more attempts were made to get of the front.  Every time they were pulled back, just to see another group try again.  Riding in the Capital of her homeland, Audrey Cordon (Wiggle High5) felt she would be the one to get away.  She was joined by riders from UnitedHealthcare and Orica-AIS.  I am sorry that I wasn't able to discover these riders names.  I really do want to name everyone who gets out and competes in the professional peloton.

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.

Be sure to check out my second cycling art book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships, available online or through your local book seller.

To buy this painting, just follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Professional%20Womens%20Cycling/2828537-18-207546/PaintingTrying%20to%20Escape%20LC3-Greig-Leach.html#.V5WxorgrLIU

Women's Tour of California, Stage 3: Back on Form

Marianne Vos (Rabo Liv) proved that she was back on form after a rough 2015 season.  And she should that just because she crashed in a sprint one month ago, doesn't mean she isn't up to mixing it up in a bunch sprint.  Although I will not that she held herself to the middle of the road.  Vos was able to get past Coryn Rivera (UnitedHealthcare) who had been the first to launch her sprint.  With Megan Guarnier (Boels Dolmans) finishing with the winners, the Yellow Jersey stayed firmly on her shoulders.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was painting using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company (www.richesonart.com).  This painting along with 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.  While you are at the website, be sure to check out my two cycling art books, "Book du Tour: Art of the 101st Tour de France" and, "Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships".

Coryn Rivera is on of the riders feature in my book on the Richmond 2015 races.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20California/2795402-53-223355/Painting.html#.V0NKN_krLIU

Tour of California, Final Stage: Perhaps in Vain

Even the final stage of the Tour of California had a group that hoped to stay off the front of the peloton all of the way in to Sacramento, the capitol of California.  With the sprinters having one last chance to get a victory and a course nearly as flat as a pancake, it seems like the efforts of these seven guys will almost definitely be in vain.  However it didn't stop Christopher Jones (UnitedHealthcare), Taylor Sheldon (Jelly Belly), Jake Kelly (Team Wiggins), Krists Neilands (Axeon Hagen Berman) nor Alan Marangoni (Cannondale) from giving it a go.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was painting using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company (www.richesonart.com).  This painting along with 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.  While you are at the website, be sure to check out my two cycling art books, "Book du Tour: Art of the 101st Tour de France" and, "Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships".

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20California/2795051-45-223355/Painting.html#.V0KdFPkrLIU

Women's Tour of California, Stage 2: The End Is in Sight

The down side of watching highlights of races is you don't get to see how the story unfolded for yourself.  Someday soon, I hope, women's cycling will get the same attention (and pay scale) as the men.  Until then, I will have to make do with what I can get.  It was a treat to see the winner of the Elite Women's Time Trial World Championships leading her team across the line.  LInda Villmusen (UnitedHealthcare) wasn't wearing her rainbow jersey of World Champion, I am not exactly sure why.  As with each of the previous clips, this became the new best time as the five members still together crossed the line.  Just like the others, they had to wait and see if their time would stand.  Spoiler alert... It didn't.

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 along with my book, "Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI World Road Racing Championships," 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.  Remember, it is a one of a kind piece, so once it is sold, it is no longer available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20California/2794406-38-223355/Painting.html#.V0FEOfkrLIU

Tour of California, Stage 3: Leaving the Others Behind

Feeling the peloton closing in and the weakening of the other members of the break away, frist Tanner Putt (UnitedHealthcare) and then Gregory Daniel (Axeon Hagens Berman) attack the other escapees.  Gregory Daniel is the rider who is in one of the most popular images I painted during the UCI Road World Championships in Richmond, Virgina.  The painting is of the young American riding over the James River on the Lee Bridge with the downtown city skyline just over his shoulder.  It is a treat to see those I watch race in the Under23 and Junior races move up into the developmental and Pro teams.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting measuring 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting (and all of my cycling art and cycling books) are available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting (and yes international shipping is available), just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20California/2792231-12-223355/Painting.html#.VzvGC_mDGko

Tour of California, Stage 1: Gaining Points

At two different points along the course of each stage the organizers will have designated sprint points.  This is where racers will be given sprint points towards the sprinters jersey and bonus seconds reduced from their overall time.  With shorter stage races the bonus seconds can mean the difference between winning the overall or missing the podium altogether.  Michael Sheehan (Jelly Belly) was able to be the first across the line both times ensuring that he will pull on the sprinters jersey at the end of the day (even if he doesn't win the stage - because whomever wins today will have the yellow jersey of overall race leader).  Just missing out on maximum points were Daniel Eaton (UnitedHealthcare) and Joonas Henttala (Novo Nordisk).

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting (only 4"x6") that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  The work, along with the rest of my cycling art and cycling art books, 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-multi-view/Tour%20of%20California/2791097-3-223355/Painting.html#.VznmuPkrLIU

Tour of California, Stage 1: Way Off the Front

This is my first time painting the now 11 year old Tour of California.  Normally I am all wrapped up in the Giro d'Italia but I thought that this year it would be a treat to paint a race that happens within the USA.  Besides, I do love to watch Peter Sagan race.  Most stages will feature an early break away frequently populated with members of the smaller Continental teams.  Today was no exception, amongst the seven to build up a six minute lead on the peloton were, Danny Pate (Rally Cycling), Daniel Patten (Team Wiggins), Joonas Henttala (Novo Nordisk) and Daniel Eaton (UnitedHealthcare).

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting (only 4"x6") that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  The work, along with the rest of my cycling art and cycling art books, 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-multi-view/Tour%20of%20California/2791079-1-223355/Painting.html#.VznigPkrLIU

Criterium International Stage 3: Chatting

I was unable to access the first two stages of the Criterium International, both of which were held on Saturday, March 28th.  Ben King (Cannondale Garmin) won the first stage and road well enough in the second stage time trial to start stage 3 in the Maillot Jaune of race leader.  There, now you are caught up.  As per usual, a small break away got off the front of the peloton.  Marco Canola (UnitedHealthcare) seemed relaxed as he chatted away with the American, Chad Alpecin (Giant Alpecin).  Tucked in behind the pair is Christian Mager (Cult Energy), ahead are two more riders, Romain Feillu (Bretagne Seche) and Romain Guillemois (Europcar).

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steven Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company, www.richesonart.com.  The painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this painting, for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Enjoying reading about professional cycling with this accompanying art?  Then be sure to check out my recently publish book on the 2014 Tour de France, just google the title, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France" to discover where you can order a copy from your local online book seller.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2535380---195767/Painting.html#.VRrfJfnF-xV

Ruta del Sol Stage 3: Narrow Roads

Having technical difficulties loading images, check back later to see the painting here.  Or you can follow the link at the end of this post to see it at my website.


Stage 3 of the Ruta del Sol, was lead out by a large break away.  With the nine man group trying to slip away, the peloton was in no mood to give them more than a two minute leash.  As they crested one of the earlier climbs on the stage they squeezed through the narrow streets of Agron.  Tucked onto the back of the group are Alessandro Bazzana (United Healthcare), Jeremy Roy (FDJ), and Miquel Angel Rubiano (Colombia).


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 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.  And yes, international shipping is available.


http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Other%202015%20Cycling%20Art/2514770---206768/Painting.html#.VOl6H9g5DIU

US Pro Challenge Stage 4: Can I Get a Drink?

Daniel Summerhill (UHC) may have been channeling his inner bar fly as he raised his bottle aloft to let the race referee and his team car know that he wanted another drink.  It is one way to catch a busy bartender's eye, lifting you bottle in the air, a universal sign for I want another, please.  While you will see the same gesture in the ProTour races, here it is more important as the teams are without radios to let their needs be known.  Summerhill and eleven others form the sizable break away on the circuit race around Colorado Springs and the Garden of the Gods.  Some of the other riders included Wesley Sulzberger (Drapac), Ben Jacques-Magnes (Jamis) and the irrepressible Jens Voigt (Trek).  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.  In addition this painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com and to get this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/US%20Pro%20Challenge%202014/2423468---201508/Painting.html#.U_elEc_D_IU

US Pro Challenge Stage 2: Policing the Break

With a large break away like this one of twelve riders, there are those that will skip their turns in the wind, not sharing the work load.  After winning the King of the Mountains Jersey, Ben Jacques-Magnes (Jamis) by getting into a break yesterday, felt that it was his job to make sure everyone work.  However, Chris Jones (UnitedHealthcare), who's teammate was in Yellow, felt he deserved a pass, after all, why should he help pull someone else into the overall lead?  This led to a number of hand gestures from Jacques-Manes, but in the end Jones stayed on the end of the group anyway.  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.  In addition, this little 4"x6" painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But while you are there, why not take the time to browse all of the art on offer.  Be warned, there is a lot of art on offer.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/US%20Pro%20Challenge%202013/2421858---201508/Painting.html#.U_Q4Mc_D_IU

US Pro Challenge Stage 1: Well Done, My Friend

All is fair in love and war, or in this case, friendship and sprinting.  Alex Howes (Garmin Sharp) reaches over to congratulate his best friend, Keil Reijnen (UnitedHealthcare) even though Keil had just outsprinted him for the win.  With his victory in downtown Aspen, Reijnen will wear the first Yellow Jersey of the 4th edition of the US Pro Challenge and Howes will start the day in second place overall.  Howes had the jump on his good friend, but perhaps all of the kilometers of his first Tour de France, had left him just that much slower than the fast charging Reijnen.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  If you would like to purchase this painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/US%20Pro%20Challenge%202013/2421484---201508/Painting.html#.U_MJzM_D_IU

Fleche Wallone: First Three Away

This running of the Fleche Wallone, another of the Spring Monuments, started with a small three man break away comprised of one Pro Tour Team and two of the Wild Card invitational teams.  They were represented by Jonathan Clarke (United Healthcare), Preben Van Hecke (Topsport-Vlaanderen) and Ramunas Navadauskas (Garmin Sharp).  They built up a seven minute lead on the peloton, but then there was still a lot of short steep climbs ahead of them.  So the peloton knew that they would be relatively easy to pull back into the fold.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that was created using watercolors and brushes from www.richesonart.com  This painting and all of my cycling artwork can be yours by visiting my artist website at www.greigleach.com   For this particular painting you can follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2352135-94-90-195767/Painting/Sports.html#.U1iDYsvD_IU

Tour of Britain Stage 7: One Last Ditch

The break away faced the fate of a break on a sprinter's day so with the peloton just 15 seconds behind, Kristian House dug deep in one last effort to stay away for the stage win.  Moments later he saw the wheels of Omega Pharma Quickstep and sat up to join the back of the group, his compatriots tried for another couple of seconds but met the same fate all the same.  It is incredibly difficult to stay away from the sprinter's lead out trains when they have the red kite within sight.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available at my artist website.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to get your piece of the 2013 Tour of Britain.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2214827---189075/Painting.html#.Uj_IWs_D_IU

Tour of Britain Stage 7: One More Bottle

Each team has a couple of team cars that follow the race, one out front with their man in the break and another in the caravan behind the peloton.  If one of their riders drops off, they are left to be assisted by a neutral service vehicle.  This is Laborie who rides for the French team, Sojasun, one of the four men in the break of the day.  With no real mountain points on offer today, it is the first road stage that did not feature Angel Madrazo.  Instead Laborie was accompanied by House, Willians and Euser in a group bid to surprise the sprinter's teams and sneak out a stage win.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that was created using cake watercolors, brushes and paper from www.richesonart.com  In addition, this work is available at my artist website.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to get your piece of the 2013 Tour of Britain.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2214823---189075/Painting.html#.Uj_E9c_D_IU