Volta Catalunya Final Stage: Going Home Alone

For most stages I make sure that I get the classic image of the stage winner crossing the finishing line with his arms raised in jubilant triumph.  However for the final stage to be raced in the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya I felt that Lieuwe Westra's (Astana) response to Voeckler's attack on this climb and his subsequent aggressive rides up the hill was where he actually won the final stage into Barcelona.  I have always marveled at how hard it must be to keep your concentration with hundreds of crazed cycling fans screaming at you as you are climbing at he very edge of your physical endurance and capabilities.  So with the final climb up, Westra secured his and his team's stage win.  However, his victory and the second place finish of Marcus Burghardt (BMC) and the third of Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) did nothing to change the final podium placings of the overall.  So today the overall goes to Roaquim Rodriquez (Katusha) with Alberto Contrador (Tinkoff Saxo) settling for second, even though he tried one last attack on this same climb, and third going to TeJay Van Garderen (BMC).  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that can be yours by being the first to visit my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  So, chapeau to Rodriquez and Westra, and for all of those that competed.

Be sure to check back here for Paris Roubaiz in two weeks.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2338125---195767/Painting.html#.UzjtpM_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Final Stage: Voeckler Goes, Westra Counters

Once they had shucked the other four of the break, it was time to start thinking about taking the stage.  Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) who has made a name for himself going on long breaks on some steep climbs, was the first to attack his fellows.  He had seen that Marcus Burghardt (BMC) was weak on the climbs and strong on the flats, he also knew that Lieuwe Westra (Astana) is a two time Dutch Time Trial Champion and had already proved earlier that he is on good form in this Volta.  He was successful in getting a gap, but then as they crested the steep climb, Westra countered his move and no one was able to catch his wheel, not then or until he had come to a stop after crossing the finish line.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that can be yours by visiting my artist website at www.greigleach.com, or you could just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2338113---195767/Painting.html#.UzjnyM_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Final Stage: Losing the Dead Wood

The original break consisted of nine riders, not all of whom were or possible could continue to contribute to the success of the break, so Marcus Burghardt (BMC) was the first to attack the break hoping to shed himself of the passengers and weaker riders.  The aggressiveness of his attack was covered by Marciej Paterski (CCC-Polstat Polkowice), Lieuwe Westra (Astana) and Cedric Pineau (FDJ).  Moments later, as they started up the climb, Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) bridged across, leaving the other four that included the winner of Stage 6, Stef Clement (Belkin Pro Cycling).  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that can be yours by being the first to visit my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2338111---195767/Painting.html#.Uzjjc8_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Final Stage: Riding for Rodriquez

Team Katusha had a very simple task for the day, don't let anyone get far enough up the road to take away Joaquim Rodriquez's White and Green Leader's Jersey.  The job may have even been simpler with the large break up the road that was grabbing all of the bonus seconds in the intermediate sprints and if they stayed away to the end, even those at the finishing line.  They did have to worry about two strong climbers (TeJay Van Garderen - BMC and Alberto Contrador - Tinkoff Saxo) that were a combination of seven seconds down and the course included eight short steep climbs, the final topping out with just two and a half kilometers to the line.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that can be yours by being the first to visit my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this painting follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2338107---195767/Painting.html#.Uzjge8_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Final Stage: Headed Downtown

For the second time in as many days a large group of nine riders got away from the peloton and were just over three minutes to the good as they road down the highway to the finishing circuit in downtown Barcelona.  With all of the GC men in the peloton and the closest man in the break over four minutes down, there was no real reason for those behind to put in a real hard chase.  And like yesterday seven different teams were represented in the break including the teams that had yet to win a stage in this running of the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard 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.  For this particular piece you can follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2338093---195767/Painting.html#.UzjdVM_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Stage 6: Solo

Unlike the Tour de France, the King of the Mountains jersey in the Volta Catalunya is a red jersey, not the spots of most races.  Also unlike most King of the Mountain Jersey wearers, it is unusual for to see the jersey cross the line first on a relatively flat stage.  With the original break away attacking and regrouping over the last 10 kilometers of the race, it came down to who could make an attack at the right time, and make it hard enough that no one could stay with them.  Today it was Stef Clement (Belkin Pro Cycling) who went just inside of the flame rouge (one kilometer to go), and went so hard that no one could catch his wheel.  So while wearing the KOM jersey, he threw his arms in the air in victory, with no one else within site of the TV camera.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that could be yours by being the first to visit my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this painting follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2337545---195767/Painting.html#.Uze9vM_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Stage 6: Attacking from the Back

The break away worked well because all nine riders worked hard and together to stay away from the peloton, but once they were inside of the last 10 K of the 172 kilometer stage the attacks began.  The commentators were surprised that it was the senior of the group, Jens Voigt (Trek Factory Racing) who fired the first volley across the others collective bow.  Jens rolled through his turn to the back of the group and then surprised everyone by jumping from the back where no one could see him until he was up to full speed.  Once he had attacked and been caught it was all bets off with attack after attack coming from most of the riders in the break.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that could be yours by being the first to visit my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this painting follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2337541---195767/Painting.html#.Uze7DM_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Stage 6: Chasing But Not Gaining

Today with a break up the road the peloton couldn't figure out whose job it was to do the chasing.  First Giant Shimano did the work with hopes of getting yet another stage victory with their sprinter, Luka Mezgec, then Katusha came up just to make sure the break didn't get over six minutes, protecting their leader's jersey.  Finally it was Lampre that came up to work in hopes of getting a win for their team, wanting to get something in the books for this edition of the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that can be yours by being the first to visit my artist website at www.greigleach.com for this painting follow the direct link at the end of this post.  While you are there, why not browse around all of the art on offer?

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2337537---195767/Painting.html#.Uze4qs_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Stage 6: Cap de Cursa

Another stage, another break away, but this one had a few extra things in its favor.  First it was a large group of nine riders, two, while they were strong the best placed rider was over eight minutes behind the race leader and, three, nine of the 22 teams in the race were represented in the group.  So this group was off with some big break away riders including the old man of the peloton, Jens Voigt (Trek Factory Racing) Pierre Rolland (Europcar) and Rudy Molard (Cofidis) and an up and coming Aussie, Damian Howson (Orica GreenEdge).  Maybe today will be the day that the peloton never sees the riders in the break until they are all back at the hotel.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that has been created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com  In addition this, and all of my cycling art in this blog, are available from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this particular painting follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2337533-69-66-195767/Painting/Sports.html#.Uze2pM_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Stage 5: Third Time Is a Charm

A big climb near the end, the GC men fighting to get the bonus seconds on offer and a stiff head wind on the way into the final kilometer, it didn't look to be a day for the sprinters and it certainly didn't look like the only sprinter to win a stage could make it three out of five total stages.  Luka Mezgec (Giant Shimano) is proving himself to be another fine Slovak sprinter who can also get over the climbs.  However, the big climbs of stages 3 & 4, proved too tough for him to be close enough in GC to pull back on the leader's jersey he earned with his first two victories.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that could be yours by being the first to visit my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this painting, follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2337089---195767/Painting.html#.UzYn0M_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Stage 5: Making the Move

Just because everyone expects you to attack, it doesn't mean that it won't work.  Although Alberto Contratdor (Tinkoff Saxo) trailing Joaquim Rodriquez (Katusha) by just four seconds may have left it a little late in the final climb.  He may of been relying to heavily on his descending skills.  His jump from the peloton was first cover by the man in fourth place, Romain Bardet (AG2R) and then they were quickly marked by Damian Howson (Orica GreenEdge), Nairo Quintana (Movistar) - who is tied on time with Bardet, and the race leader, Rodriquez.  This important move washed away Lieuwe Westra (Astana) and Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin Sharp).  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that could be yours by being the first to visit my artist website at www.greigleach.com, for this painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2337085---195767/Painting.html#.UzYk-8_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Stage 5: Do I Have a Gap?

As expect, the attacks did come on the final climb, first from Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin Sharp) quickly followed by Lieuwe Westra (Astana) and it was his attack that looked like it had the staying power.  He might have had a chance had, Alberto Contrador (Tinkoff-Saxo) sitting second overall, hadn't decided to lay down an attack.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that can be yours by being the first to visit my artist website at www.greigleach.com, for this painting follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2337083---195767/Painting.html#.UzYhss_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Stage 5: Climbing as One

The peloton hit the base of the Alt de Lilla, the final climb of the day, all together, but with just seconds separating the top ten positions, it would most likely not still be together at the summit.  All the more so because form the crest of the climb it was only 8 kilometers to the finish in Valls and it was all downhill.  Team BMC, Cannondale, FDJ, and Movistar were all at the business end of the peloton setting it up for their GC men.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that can be yours by being the first to visit my artist website at www.greigleach.com, for this painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2337081---195767/Painting.html#.UzYe-s_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Stage 5: All for Naught

After awhile the two leaders, Burghardt (BMC) and Preidler (Giant Shimano) were joined by two more, however only Pierre Roland (Europcar) was able to hang with the two in the stiff winds.  Apparently the winds are frequent enough to warrant the installation of wind turbines.  However the break that got away after 50 kilometers was all for naught as the peloton reeled them in with only about 20 K left to ride.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available from my artist website at www.greigleach.com, or for this painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2337077---195767/Painting.html#.UzYcsc_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Stage 5: Two Away

After two days of high mountain climbs, cold rain, snow the racers were blessed with sunshine and a relatively flat stage.  However they spent the day in pretty stiff winds, most of them headwinds.  I went out for a ride myself and hit very stiff head winds, too, and you end of working as hard as you can yet feel like you are barely moving.  Even with those conditions a large break got away, with these two, Marcus Burghardt (BMC) and Georg Preidler (Giant Shimano) slipping off of the larger group trying to beat the odds and the peloton.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that has been created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com  Also, this painting and all of my cycling works are available from 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%202014/2337075-63-60-195767/Painting/Sports.html#.UzYauM_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Stage 4: Out of the Clouds

Cycling is not like baseball, they will race in virtually anything Mother Natures throws at them.  The only exception to that is if the roads are too icy to be safe for the riders to make the fast paced descents that are the reward for the seemingly impossible climbs.  However, technology is not as versatile.  With low lying clouds, rain and snow, the moto cameras weren't able to bounce their signals to the helicopters or the plans, the helicopters couldn't get under the cloud cover to show the riders, so today was TV free racing.  The only images available were from fixed cameras station near the finish line right next to the production vehicles.  So here is the only painting of Stage 4 of the Volta Catalunya, and for us Americans, it was a nice one to get. TeJay Van Garderen (BMC) showed that he is back from early season illness and in to his Alp d'Huez form as he slipped by Romain Bardet (AG2R) for the stage win.  Rodriquez kept the leader's jersey and the rest of the GC simply tightened up the time gaps.  So there is a lot of racing yet to come.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard 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 works, is available from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this particular piece follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2335867-62-60-195767/Painting/Sports.html#.UzRfns_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Stage 3: Flying Across the Line

Team Katusha had worked hard chasing back the break, put riders on the front in the cross winds, and finally used Daniel Moreno to chase down the last attacks he could, all for their leader, Joaquim Rodriquez.  So when Chris Froome attacked and Contrador, Quintana went after him it was up to Rodriquez to catch them all and take the stage victory in honor of his team's hard work.  The convincing win (notice no one else is even in site), beating the closes competitor, Contrador, by  seconds was more than enough to let him pull on the leader's jersey and spray the spectators with Champagne.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available at my artist website, www.greigleach.com.  Or for this painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2335669---195767/Painting.html#.UzOV2s_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Stage 3: The First to Attack

Once Kevin Reza (Europcar), the last of the early break was picked up, it was time for the counterattacks to start.  The first out of the group was another Europcar rider, Pierre Rolland.  His move was quickly covered by Andrew Talansky (Garmin Sharp) and although you can see him behind Andrew, Jakob Fuglsang (Astana).  This attack was watched carefully by the faithful lieutenant of Roaquim Rodriquez, Daniel Moreno (Katusha).  Katusha had worked way to hard for the Spaniard to let anyone steal the stage he had marked as his.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this painting follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2335659---195767/Painting.html#.UzOTm8_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Stage 3: Picking Off the First One

As the break away hit the slopes before the final climb, some of the guys from the original break legs just couldn't continue to push the pace.  The pink shoulder peeking out of Michel Koch's (Cannondale) vest is that of the Intermediate Sprint Jersey, and sprinters are not known for their climbing abilities, it is no surprise that he was the first to be picked up by the peloton once it had gotten the bit between its collective teeth.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this painting follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But while you are there, why not browse around all of the galleries of cycling art?

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2335655---195767/Painting.html#.UzORAM_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Stage 3: The Leader Follows Them

The three big names for today's stage are, Nairo Quintana (Movistar), Roaquim Rodriquez (Katusha) and Alberto Contrador (Tinkoff-Saxo) so it is up to their teams to go to the front of the peloton and pull back the break away.  The title is a little pun on "follow the leader" since here it is the team leaders that are follow the domestiques of their teams.  While the break had almost 10 minutes at this point, by the valley before the last climb of the day, their teams had pull the break back inside of 3 minutes.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available through my artist website, www.greigleach.com.  For this particular painting, follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2335653---195767/Painting.html#.UzONm8vD_IU