Showing posts with label Victory Salute. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Victory Salute. Show all posts

Thursday, October 1, 2026

2026 UCI Road Championships, Montreal, Elite Women's Road Race: Shades of the Tour


You can purchase this painting here: "Shades of the Tour UCI26-7" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Despite Kasia Niewiadoma (Poland) having gotten the jump on Demi Vollering (Netherlands) it was the Dutch woman who raised her arms in victory in Montreal!  Niewiadoma appeared to cramp up just as Vollering pulled even with her in the sprint.  In the distance you can just see Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy) who had just caught the other two when the sprint kicked off.  So it is that Vollering takes first with Niewiadoma in second, just as they were in the Tour de France Femmes, and Longo Borghini takes another bronze medal at another World Championships.  I don't image that the animosity that erupted at the Tour Femme between second and third was quelled today.  Instead, I think it has been further inflamed.  As on prone to cramps, I truly feel for Niewiadoma today. 

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 top of this post to purchase this painting. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Monday, August 10, 2026

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 9: Two Stages, Two Tours!


Purchase this painting here: "Two Stages, Two Tours! TdFF26-64" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Not only did Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) out climb the rest of the peloton over the final ascent of the Col d'Eze, she also out descended them!  In the final sixteen kilometers, she but over a minute into everyone else that she had started up the climb for the fourth time with.  For the second day in a row, she celebrated her stage victory on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.  This time she did it in the Maillot Jaune that she won yesterday.  With this victory she becomes the first woman to win to Tours de France Femmes.  Of course, had Kasia Niewiadoma been able to retake her jersey that she won atop Mont Ventoux, she would have been the first with that honor.  Chapeau to Vollering, to Puck Pieterse who is the Queen of the Mountains, Lorena Wiebes who has won the Maillot Vert that she held from the very first stage, and to Niewiadoma's teammate Antonia Niedermaier who won the Maillot Blanc as the best young rider.

This is the end of the men's and women's Tours, thus it is probably the end of my painting cycling for the year.  I may paint some of the UCI Road Cycling Championships in Montreal this fall.  But otherwise, I won't be back until January for the Tour Down Under.

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 8: Nouveau Maillot Jaune


Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) held off the chasing duet of Kasia Niewiadoma and Elise Longo Borghini down the final climb and onto the Avenue des Anglais on the coastline of Nice.  She finished seventeen seconds ahead of those she left behind at the summit which is enough to put her into the next Maillot Jaune.  With her time bonus over the other two, she now sits in yellow by eight seconds.  Twice the advantage that Niewiadoma had when she won the Tour de France Femmes two years ago.  Will Vollering be able to defend her jersey tomorrow or while the lead change hands yet again?  I feel I must point out that as of yet once someone has lost the Maillot Jaune they have not reclaimed it.  Will that change tomorrow? Will someone new claim the final yellow jersey, or will Vollering defend it successfully?

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Nouveau Maillot Jaune TdFF26-55" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 6: Coming Around Right


From being off the back on the penultimate climb of the day to out sprinting the leaders to claim the stage, Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal) had a rather exceptional stage.  With her efforts she moved herself into the top ten just seventeen seconds behind the woman who finished second today, Cedrine Kerboal (EF Education-Oatly).  Not only did Puck Peiterse (Fenix-Premier Tech) increase her lead in the Queen of the Mountains competition, she finished third on the day, too.  Behind them, it was the local woman (and French Champion) Celia Gery (FDJ United-Suez) only managed fifth.  She was awarded the most combative rider of the day much to the delight of the fans.  Fifth went to Liane Lippert (Movistar).  I feel like she was conflicted on whether to ride for herself or to help pull her teammate and Maillot Jaune closer to these leaders.  The Yellow Jersey group came in half a minute after the winner, but it wasn't enough to affect the top of the general classification, since they were all together.

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Coming Around Right TdFF26-38" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 5: The Perfect Ending


Well, it was a perfect ending for all of the work that Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) and her team had put in all day long.  She came into Belleville en Beaujolais with Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon/SRAM) and Marlen Reusser (Movistar).  It was Niewiadoma who got the jump on the other two, but faded as Vollering and Reusser chased her down.  They both came around the Polish star with only fifty meters to the line.  In the end it was Vollering in her European Champion's jersey who raised her arms in victory.  Just behind her were Reusser who we can see and Niewiadoma whom we can not.  The three are now the top three in the general classification, with Reusser holding her Maillot Jaune, Vollering in second and Niewiadoma holding the third step of the podium.  There is just over a minute between the three but the first two are only twelve seconds apart.

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "The Perfect Ending TdFF26-32" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Monday, August 3, 2026

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 3: Leading Her Own Cheers


As she came into the finishing straight, Sigrid Ytterhus Haugset (Uno X-Mobility) encouraged the crowd to cheer her as she rode alone to victory in Stage 3 of the Tour de France Femmes.  She had held off the only real chase mounted by Lotte Kopecky who came within ten seconds of catching the Norwegian Champion.  But in the final kilometers she stretched her lead back out to almost a minute and a half by the end of the stage.  With this victory, she also claims the second Maillot Jaune of this the fifth Tour Femmes.  She holds that jersey by just barely over two minutes over the woman who started the day in second place, Kim Le Court-Pienaar.   She went eighty-eight kilometers alone, and a one hundred and thirteen kilometers ahead of the peloton.  It was only a hundred and fifty-seven-kilometer stage!  It is definitely the longest breakaway for victory in the Tour de France Femmes, but it is most likely the longest in the modern history of the Tour de France Hommes, too.

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Leading Her Own Cheers TdFF26-18" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →  

Sunday, August 2, 2026

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 2: This Time in Yellow


Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) had burnt through her team just to have the chance to sprint for another stage victory in Geneva.  Normally, she has a lead-out team, but they spent themselves chasing down the lone leader, Riejanne Markus.  They didn't catch her until the final kilometer of the stage.  That actually played into Wiebes hands.  As the peloton move to the left to get around the much slowing rider from Lidl-Trek, Wiebes took the opening to wind up her sprint catching the other hopeful sprinters looking the wrong way.  Once she was up to speed, there was no one who was going to catch her!  She took the stage by three or more bike lengths, making it two wins in a row.  But this time it was even sweeter winning in the Maillot Jaune of race leader.  She increases her lead to fourteen seconds for the yellow jersey and now has a commanding lead in the green jersey competition of the sprinters.  When the mountains start, she may not hold onto yellow, but she will certainly retain her lead in the Maillot Vert.

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "This Time in Yellow TdFF26-12" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →   

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 1: The First in Yellow


It was Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) raising her arms in victory atop the final climb of the day in Lusanne.  Her victory in the opening stage means she will pull on the first Maillot Jaune of the Tour de France Femmes.  Behind her are Kim Le Court (AG Insurance-Soudal) - who will wear the Maillot Vert on loan from Wiebes - and then the European Champion, Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) taking third.  

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "The First in Yellow TdF26-6" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →  

Saturday, July 25, 2026

Tour '26, Stage 20: The King Wins, Again


Having stayed upright when the leader had not, Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) thumps his chest in victory atop the final mountain top finish of the Tour.  In the process he claimed maximum points on every climb of the day but the last one where he went over in second place thus securing the Maillot a Pois.  At the start of the Tour he stated that this was his goal.  And he achieved it and picked up two stage wins in the process.  All he has to do is finish the stage tomorrow in Paris, and he will go out the King of the Mountains.

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "The King Wins, Again TdF26-152" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →  

Friday, July 24, 2026

Tour '26, Stage 19: You Were Expecting...


I love the almost teenage shrug that Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) gave before going into a more tradition victory salute.  He seemed to say, with this gesture, you were expecting a different result?  It has been since Bradley Wiggins that the guy wearing the Maillot Jaune won the stage atop Alpe d'Huez.  And you have to go back to Marco Pantani to find someone who has climbed this famous Tour climb anywhere near as quickly.  Let's face it, Pogacar is setting new Tour records throughout this Tour.  Let's hope he doesn't go the way of Pantani.  Behind the gesture, you can just see the two guys he left inside of the final kilometer, Lenny Martinez (Bahrain-Victorious) takes second place and Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) and by so doing takes the lead in the King of the Mountains competition away from the guy who now leads the Tour by a little over seven minutes.  I think he was also letting us know that despite there being some illness hitting his team... he is just fine!

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "You Were Expecting... TdF26-142" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →  

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Tour '26, Stage 17: Without Disaster


I guess I should start with the title.  Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) has a nickname that he hates.  He is oft times called "Jasper Disaster."  He has a tendency to crash in sprints.  To be fair, that does seem to no longer be a thing.  Although, he has not been able to put together a successful sprint for a stage victory this Tour, until now.  He had to work hard in the early phase of the stage to stay with the peloton, most of his sprint rivals were dropped, fought back, and then stayed with the peloton when they let the breakaway go.  Philipsen stayed with the break and was there to fight for the stage.  He was delivered perfectly by his teammate Mathieu Van Der Poel (who has won a stage already).  Then he had the power to drop all of the others trying to win today.  Behind him it was Mauro Schmid (Jayco-Alula) from an early painting. In third was Olav Kooij (Decathlon-CMA CGM), the only other pure sprinter in the finale. Behind the podium were Lewis Adkey (NSN Cycling), Rick Pluimers (Tudor Pro Cycling), Clement Russo (Groupama FDJ-United), Huub Artz (Lotto-Intermarche) and in eighth was Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek).  Despite Philipsen getting the maximum points in the sprint finale, Pedersen's placing means he holds onto the Maillot Vert.  With the mountains to come, he most likely will hold it into Paris.  He will need to add to his total before the intermediate sprint on the Champs Elysees on Sunday.  Given the new final stage's climbs up Montmartre, it makes for a very different final sprint of the Tour.

As you have seen, I normally include all of scene, but sometimes less is more.  Therefore, as I worked on this, I realized all I needed to convey the story of the final sprint of Stage 17 was the riders, and nothing else.

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Without Disaster TdF26-127" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Monday, July 20, 2026

Tour '26, Stage 15: Outsprinting Yellow!


Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) had the un-enviable position of having to take on two very strong guys from the same team at the finale of Stage 15.  He had climbed pedal stroke for pedal stroke with Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) and his teammate Isaac Del Toro.  Tadej was riding as a super-domestique for Isaac in hopes of helping the Mexican Champion to both the stage win and reclaiming the Maillot Blanc of best young rider.  After Del Toro had attack twice and been caught by Evenepoel, it was Evenepoel's turn to go.  To pretty much everyone's surprise, Pogacar couldn't get around the former World Champion, perhaps a first this season.  Some seemed to think that the Maillot Jaune let the stage go, but that would be out of character for the Maillot Jaune - unless of course it was a teammate that was going to win the stage.  Evenepoel now moves into second place, with Del Toro moving into third and the Maillot Blanc.  Quinn Simmons still managed a tenth place. With his teammates finishing sixth and eighth, Lidl-Trek holds onto its lead in the team classification for at least one more stage.

Now onto the rest day, that will be followed by and individual time trial.  Should be interesting...

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Outsprinting Yellow! TdF26-114" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Tour '26, Stage 10: Winning Alone


So the French will have to wait another year for one of their countrymen to win the stage on Bastille Day.  Today, it went to a Slovenian by the name of Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates). He jumped cleared of the lone breakaway riders at the summit of the previous climb and then rode the final fourteen kilometers on his own.  That does seem to be his style.  More importantly he increased his lead over the rest of the field by thirty seconds or more.  It is beginning to be confirmed that he will wear the Maillot Jaune all of the way to Paris.  There are still eleven stages yet to race, and anything can happen, but he can be defensive for the rest of the Tour and make it near impossible for anyone to gain three-and-a-half minutes or more on this super Slovenia cyclist.  No bow to the crowd for this stage, just a "oh snap" gesture after point skyward and to his team's name on his kit.

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Winning Alone TdF26-72" (Original art by Greig Leach)

 Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →   

Sunday, July 12, 2026

Tour '26, Stage 9: Winning from the Front


Not only did Mathieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) win from the front group, he was also forced to start his sprint from the front of the four-man breakaway that just made it to the line.  The foursome that included Van Der Poel, Tobias Johannessen (Uno X-Mobility), Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5) and Alex Baudin (EF Education-EasyPost), risked everything by slowing down, each trying to get the other to jump first.  In a post-race interview, Pidcock said his only hope of outsprint Van Der Poel was to get him to start his sprint too early, so they all waited as the peloton charged up behind them.  It was MVDP who went first, but he had the legs to outsprint them all.  The only one who even got close was Johannessen, claiming second for the second time in this Tour de France.  As I wrote in the previous post, Pidcock claimed that his gears failed again, making it impossible for him to mount a successful sprint.  I didn't see it, but I don't know.  They played with fire, the peloton lead by Flippo Ganna (Netcompany-Ineos) and Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) came home just six seconds behind Van Der Poel.  

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Winning from the Front TdF26-64" (Original art by Greig Leach)

 Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →  

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Tour '26, Stage 8: Two in a Row!


Once the peloton had caught the lone escapee remaining, it was eyes down for the sprint.  Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) came from a long way back to claim his second stage victory in a row in Bergerac. It was looking like Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling) was about to get his first stage at the Tour de France in two years until Merlier came from seemingly nowhere.  On his wheel was Olav Kooij (Decathlon-CMA CGM) who was hoping he would be the sprinter to win two stages in the 113th Tour de France. Tomorrow, we go back to the hills, so I expect it won't be a day for these pure sprinters.  Will it be the breakaway that succeeds or will it be a GC day?

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Two in a Row! TdF26-57" (Original art by Greig Leach)

 Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →  

Friday, July 10, 2026

Tour '26, Stage 6: Taking a Bow, a Stage & a Yellow Jersey


Wow, that was impressive!  Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) went on the attack with five more kilometers to climb up the Tourmalet.  He then rode alone for the next forty-five kilometers alone, increasing his lead on both the descent and the climb up to the finish in Gauarnie-Gedre.  He finished two minutes and thirty-eight seconds ahead of Jonas Vingegaard, just shy of three minutes ahead of his own teammate Isaac Del Toro who with a group of seven many of whom are the other favorites for a high placing in the 113th Tour de France.  The last guy to finish the stage (there were a couple who climbed off during the stage) was over forty-five minutes behind Tadej's finishing time.  Fortunately for Lewis Askey (NSN Cycling) he was still inside of the time limit for the stage.  Now the question remains, will the Maillot Jaune changed shoulders any more throughout this Tour?  Unlikely.

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Taking a Bow, a Stage, & a Yellow Jersey TdF26-46" (Original art by Greig Leach)

 Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →  

Thursday, July 9, 2026

Tour '26, Stage 5: A Clean Set of Wheels


I feel I may need to explain the title.  A clean set of wheels means that someone as such an advantage at the finale, that no one is anywhere near them, thus a clean set of wheels refers to no one in their slipstream or threatening to pass them.  That is just how strong of a sprint Olav Kooij (Decathlon-CMA CGM) was able to mount. He has now won his first Tour de France stage and in so doing got the first stage win for his French team as well.  Unable to match his burst of speed but still holding on for second was the guy who took the intermediate sprint, Max Kanter (XDS-Astana).  The final step of the podium in Pau went to Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) followed in turn by Huub Artz (Lotto-Intermarche).  Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling) only managed to finish sixth, but did add some more points in his quest for the Maillot Vert.  I am not sure where the current wearer of the sprinter's jersey finished, but Mads Pedersen did hold on to his Green Jersey.  In fact, none of the leader's jerseys changed shoulders today.  I doubt that will be the case tomorrow as they race over the Tourmalet before ending atop Gauarnie-Gedre.

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "A Clean Set of Wheels TdF26-37" (Original art by Greig Leach)

 Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 


Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Tour '26, Stage 4: Winning the Stage & the Maillot Vert


Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) was able to hang with the breakaway from the large breakaway over the final two climbs of the day thus being able to sprint it out for the stage win in Foix.  It wasn't really in question that he would win the sprint as he was the only sprinter left out of the remaining ten.  Clearly, he won handedly as you can tell by this view of his victory salute.  His teammate, who had helped to bring him to the line, Quinn Simmons, took second on the stage just ahead of Pablo Castrillo (Movistar).  It would be another fourteen minutes before the erstwhile Maillot Jaune and the rest of the peloton got to this point in downtown Foix.  Tomorrow, Pedersen will start the sprint stage already in the sprinter's Green Jersey.  Chapeau!

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Winning the Stage & the Maillot Vert TdF26-29" (Original art by Greig Leach)

 Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Monday, April 27, 2026

Liege Bastogne Liege '26: Undeniable


It is becoming undeniable that Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) is the best of this generation of cyclists racing today.  He may soon out pace even Eddy Merckx.  Chapeau to the World Champion winning his fourth Liege Bastogne Liege by forty-five seconds over his erstwhile companion Paul Seixas and another full minute over Remco Evenepoel.  Add Jonas Vingegaard into the mix and it should be a very exciting 114th Tour de France should the young French Seixas be at the starting line in Barcelona.

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Undeniable LBL26-7" (Original art by Greig Leach) 

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Fleche Wallonne '26: Jeune, Fort, et Francais


I apologize if the French is wrong in the title.  Translated, I hope it reads as "Young, Strong, and French".  Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) jumps free of the peloton claiming victory in Fleche Wallonne atop the Mur de Huy by three seconds over the rest of the peloton. With this win he becomes the youngest male cyclist to win at the tender age of nineteen! Behind him are Mauro Schmid (Jayco-Alula) and Ben Tulett (Visma-Lease a Bike) respectively finishing out the podium.  Benoit Cosnefroy (UAE Team Emirates) claimed fourth finishing six seconds ahead of the rest of the field.  As Bob Rolle and Christian Vandevelde, "the hype is real" referring to the young Seixas.  Will he eventually be the guy to finally reclaim the Tour de France for the French?

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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Jeune, Fort, et Francais FW26-7" (Original art by Greig Leach)