Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 5: Four Climbers

With roughly five hundred meters left to race, it has come down to four strong climbers off the front on Willunga Hill.  Luke Plapp (Jayco-Alula) was the one who chased down Javier Romo (Movistar) taking Oscar Onley (Picnic-PostNL) and the Ecuadorian champion, Jhonathan Narvaez (UAE Team Emirates) along with him.  The three dropped the Ochre Jersey in the closing meters with Narvaez having the legs to take the stage ahead of Onley.  In so doing he also took the leader's jersey off of the shoulders of Narvaez.  Sorry, the TV camera didn't give me a good image of the new Ochre Jersey winning the stage.  So it goes.

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 $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Four Climbers TDU25-41" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 5: The Best Defense

As the peloton hit the bottom of Willunga Hill for the final time, it was Javier Romo (Movistar) in his Ochre Jersey who jumped free of the peloton.  Most everyone expected him to follow the attacks of others, so it was a strategic move to attack his closest rivals instead.  At first, he opened up a couple of seconds before those behind could get themselves organized.  Given how close the top positions on the general classifications were, it was understood that whoever reached the summit first would most likely win the twenty-fifth 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 $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"The Best Defense TDU25-40" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 5: Chase Mode

After an extended period of pace setting by Picnic-PostNL, with thirty-eight kilometers to race, it was time for the peloton to get serious about chasing down the breakaway.  Once UAE Team Emirates and Movistar joined in, the break's advantage dropped by a minute in under ten kilometers.  The peloton wanted to have the escapees back in the group before the first climb up the fabled Willunga Hill.  

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 $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Chase Mode TDU25-39" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 2: Alone at the Top

While on the climb it seemed to me that Noemi Reugg (EF Education-Oatley) was about to be dropped any moment.  She was pushing a big gear and looked to be using her shoulders to push her pedals over.  But once an attack was made by Silke Smulders (Liv-Alula-Jayco) the Swiss Champion went on the offensive.  She dropped the Dutch woman and went on to win atop Willunga Hill by ten seconds.  Winning the stage moves out of her national champion's jersey and into the Ochre Jersey of race leader.  She also now sits third in the Queen of the Mountains competition, and she leads the Sprint Points competition as well.  Not a bad day out on the bike, at all.

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 $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Alone at the Top TDU25-11" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 2: The Leading Four

As the peloton sped through Willunga at the base of the final climb, it was Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek) who attacked first in hopes of climbing to the summit of Willunga Hill alone.  However, she was soon caught by Neve Bradbury (Canyon/SRAM-Zondacrypto), the Swiss Champion Noemi Reugg (EF Education-Oatley) and Silke Smulders (Liv-Alula-Jayco).  The foursome shadow boxed up the two and a half kilometer climb, letting those behind catch back up.  Regardless of the delay, two of these women took the top to steps of the podium at the summit, all of them were in the top nine of the 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 $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"The Leading Four TDU25-10" (Original art by Greig Leach) 

Tour Down Under, Stage 5: Time to Climb

The sprinters have had four days to show off their skill sets, now it is time for the climbers to shine.  With the last member of the early break away caught at the base of Willunga Hill, it was time for the climbers and general classification riders to stake their claims for the final Ochre Jersey come tomorrow.  The first to truly go on the offensive was no surprise.  At the steepest part of the climb it was Simon Yates (Jayco-Alula) who dug deep to get away from the peloton.  He was joined in the effort first by Jhonatan Narvaez (Ineos-Grenadiers), followed by Bart Lemmon (Visma-Lease a Bike) rides side by side with Oscar Onley (DSM-Firmenich-PostNL).  I (and many other cycling fans) was thrilled to see Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal-Quick Step) matching the acceleration pedal stroke for pedal stroke.

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 painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3996143-199-194179/Painting/time-to-climb.-tdu24-22.html

Tour Down Under, Stage 5: Crowning Himself King

First, I am not a fan of this “polka dot jersey.”  I can’t even see any polka dots, can you?  Nevertheless, Luke Burns (Australia) went over the summit of Willunga Hill, and claimed the maximum King of the Mountain points on offer.  Just behind him is Jardi Christian Van Der Lee (EF Edcuation-EasyPost) who is second in the competition, but now has now chance of taking over the lead by the end of the Tour Down Under.  It seems appropriate to paint him becoming this year’s Tour Down Under’s King of the Mountians as he rides over the street art crown at the summit of the climb.  All he has left to do is finish both today’s and tomorrow’s stages inside of the time limit.  Alas, in cycling as in life, there are no guarantees.

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 painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3996141-198-194179/Painting/crowning-himself-king.-tdu24-21.html

Tour Down Under, Final Stage: Two, Three, One

The strange title of this painting refers to the overall placing of these three on the general classification.  While Richie Porte (Trek-Segafredo) won the stage, and added a sixth consecutive win over the top of Willunga Hill, it was Daryl Impey (Mitchelton-Scott) that was third on the stage,  However, Impey won the 2019 Tour Down Under.  And he is the first to ever win the race to years in a row.  Wout Poels (Sky) took second on the day, but finished on the final step of the race podium.  While the four day leader of the race, Paddy Bevin (CCC) may not have taken the race victory, it is still a shame that his crash in stage five ensured that he would be unable to wear the final Ochre Jersey of race leader.

I will be back painting some of the Spring Classics like Paris-Nice, Paris Roubaix and Fleche Wallone, among others.  I hope you will check out the work as it happens.  And that you will follow me here and on twitter @ArtofCycling.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3286992-143-194179/PaintingTwo,-Three,-One--TDU19-25.html

Tour Down Under, Final Stage: Is There Enough Road?

Richie Porte (Trek-Segafredo) has been dubbed the King of Willunga Hill, having one this climb the last five years running.  As he went under the flame rouge, the final kilometer of the race, he check to see how much of a gap he had opened up on his main rivals.  If he could win the stage by nine seconds over Daryl Impey (Mitchelton-Scott), he would win the 2019 Tour Down Under.  While he could only see Wout Poels (Team Sky) and Michael Woods (EF Education First) behind him, the question remained, did he have enough road left to get the kind of gap he needed on the South African Champion.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3286988-142-194179/PaintingIs-There-Enough-Road?--TDU19-24.html

Tour Down Under, Final Stage: Lifting the Pace, Getting a Gap

The final stage takes the peloton over Willunga Hill, before coming back around and finishing on the top of the climb.  With most of the hopefuls even on time 26 seconds behind the erstwhile race leader, Paddy Bevin (CCC).  Bevin dropped out the back of the peloton before the first trip up the hill, clearly suffering from the effects of his crash in yesterday's crash.  It was Kenny Elissonde (Sky) who opened up the first attack on the climb.  He is looking back over his shoulder to find his team leader, Wout Poels.  The small Frenchman ended up having to wait for Poels to catch his wheel, unfortuately that let the rest of the contenders catch up as well.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3286986-141-194179/PaintingLifting-the-Pace,-Getting-a-Gap--TDU19-23.html

Tour Down Under, Stage 5: King of Willunga

This is the view that every one in the peloton sees of Richie Porte (BMC) as he rides up the final ascent of Willunga Hill.  Today he was racing for the Ochre Jersey, a slim chance at the Polka Dot Jersey, and to let everyone know that he has come back strong from the crash in the 2017 Tour de France.  He took the stage by eight seconds over Daryl Impey (Michelton-Scott) and got a ten second bonus in the bargain, so it looked this the race lead might be his.  However, with "count back" Impey had done just enough to secure the race lead for himself, and furthermore, he lost on count back for the Polka Dot Jersey as well.  But he does claim this fifth win on top of Willunga Hill, much to the delight of the fans lining the final kilometer of the stage.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. To purchase this artwork, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3099769-113-194179/PaintingKing-of-Willunga-TDU18-26.html

Tour Down Under, Stage 5: All In

For five years running now, Richie Porte (BMC) has attacked at the exact same spot on Willunga Hill.  And for five years, no one has been able to do much about it.  Today, it was only Jay McCarthy (Bora-Hansgrohe) who could answer the savage acceleration by Porte.  Just 20 meter behind, peeking around the corner, Egan Bernard (Sky) was trying to get back on terms with the two leaders.  The rest of the peloton was scattered in twos and threes all over the 3 kilometers of Willunga Hill.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. To purchase this artwork, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3099767-112-194179/PaintingAll-In-TDU18-25.html

Tour Down Under, Stage 5: Looking for the Top

As the break started up the penultimate climb of Willunga Hill (and of the day and the Tour Down Under), it was the leader of the King of the Mountains, Nicholas Dlamini (Dimension Data) that was battling it out for points with Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) and Scott Bowden (UniSA-Australia).  The effort was being watched intently by the race commisare sticking his out through the roof of the following car. 

When I titled this piece I didn't know just how prophetic I was being.  As they approached the banner that had marked the KOM points line in every previous stage, De Gendt motioned for Dlamini to go ahead and claim the points.  After apparently giving Dlamini enough points to secure the jersey, De Gendt pressed on crossing the line at the top of the mountain (that would be the finishing line next time up) first.  It turned out that was where the KOM points were awarded placing Dlamini second over the summit.  It may not effect the final destination of the jersey, but it shouldn't have happened.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. To purchase this artwork, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3099763-111-194179/PaintingLooking-for-the-Top-TDU18-24.html

Tour Down Under Stage 5 Leaving Them All Behind

Richie Porte (BMC) did what he has done three time previously on Willunga Hill, he rode absolutely everyone off of his wheel.  The difference for Porte today was that he was already in the Ochre Jersey of race leader.  His fourth victory on the top of Willunga Hill all but guarantees his overall victory.  In addition he keeps himself even on KOM points with Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal).  Behind Porte and fading rather quickly are Sergio Henao (Sky), Esteban Chaves (Orica-Scott) and Rafael Valls (Lotto Soudal), none of whom could hold the wheel of the very motivated leader of BMC.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20Down%20Under/2908185-126-194179/PaintingLeaving%20Them%20All%20Behind%20TDU17-28.html#.WIOm8vkrLIU

Tour Down Under Stage 5 Racing to the Bottom

Yet again the peloton caught the break with less than six kilometers left to race   Now it was time to fly to the bottom of Willunga Hill in hopes that one's respective team leader would be able to grab victory at the summit  Luke Durbridge (Orica-Scott) looks back over his shoulder to see how his teammate Damien Howson and the rest of the "Orica boys" were doing   Ready to take over the pace making duties is Geraint Thomas (Team Sky)  Try as the two teams might they were unable to split apart the peloton as they crossed the flat lands before the final ascent

Sorry the gremlins don't like punctuation and the keyboard has fallen to their whims

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20Down%20Under/2908179-125-194179/PaintingRacing%20to%20the%20Bottom%20TDU17-27.html#.WIOkHfkrLIU

Tour Down Under Stage 5: Full Speed

The now three member strong break away heads back down the back side of Willunga Hill reaching speeds of over 90 kilometers per hour, Will Clarke (Cannondale-Drapac) was dropped on the way up.  It is Jack Bauer (Quickstep) in the rather dangerous aero tuck who is leading the virtual King of the Mountains, Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) and Jeremy Maison (FDJ) down into the McLaren Vale before turning left to head back up Willunga Hill for the final big ascent of the 2017 Tour Down Under.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20Down%20Under/2908169-124-194179/PaintingFull%20Speed%20TDU17-26.html#.WIOhs_krLIU

Tour Down Under Stage 5 Slipping Off the Front

On the first ascent of Willunga Hill attacks starting jumping out of the peloton  The first to give it a go was Chris Hamilton (Sunweb) with Giovanni Visconti (Bahrain-Merida) trying to catch the youngster from Austalia  Up the road the now three member break was clearing the top of the climb with Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) mobbing up the KOM points (his sole objective of getting into the early break)  This trip was a rehearsal for the show that would be the final ascent to the finish line at the top in twenty kilometers  The winner on that stage has a high likelihood of being the victor of the Tour Down Under and the King of the Mountains

Sorry that my computer is back to thinking punctuation is unimportant

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20Down%20Under/2908166-123-194179/PaintingSlipping%20Off%20the%20Front%20TDU17-24.html#.WIOcUPkrLIU

Tour Down Under Stage 5: Getting Established

From the drop of the flag that got the Queen stage of the Tour Down Under underway, it was Will Clarke (Cannondale-Drapac) who went on the attack.  Perhaps he wanted to counter his bad luck from yesterday's stage.  Bridging across to the Australian was Julien Berard (Ag2r La Mondiale).  The duo were hoping to establish the break away that would leave the peloton behind.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20Down%20Under/2908146-120-194179/PaintingGetting%20Established%20TDU17-22.html#.WIOTFfkrLIU

Tour Down Under: New Kit, Same Result

Three times Richie Porte (BMC) has raced up Willunga Hill (well actually considerably more than that) and three times in a row he has claimed victory at the summit.  Although he is now riding for BMC Pro Cycling and the previous victories came while wearing the black and blue stripe kit of Team Sky, he still is the king of Willunga!  It look like the main in polka dots riding for his former Sky team, Sergio Henao would get the better of him, but with one more steep ramp at about 800 meters to go, Porte was able to leave the Colombian climber behind (by six seconds!).  Porte's ten second time bonus added to Simon Gerrans (Orica GreenEdge) coming in 18 seconds later still wasn't enough to claim the lead, but it was enough for second place just 9 seconds off of the lead.  Sergio Henao (Team Sky) all put ensured that he would be King of the Mountain at the end this Tour Down Under, and he currently sits in third overall just 11 seconds off of the lead.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting created using watercolors from www.richesonart.com and 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.  In addition, be sure to check out my new book, "Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships" available now at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20Down%20Under/2682191-93-194179/Painting.html#.VqQXcfkrLIU

Tour Down Under: Porte Is Away

Rohan Dennis was the first to attack on the final assault of Willunga Hill, unfortunately he quickly faded, After he went a rider from UniSa-Australia tried, but was quickly caught by George Bennett (LottoNL Jumbo). As those two faded from their efforts, Richie Porte (BMC) stomped on the pedals and rode everyone off of his wheel.  The only two who could even hope to catch the two time victor on Willunga Hill was the newly discovered Michael Woods (Cannondale) and the wearer of the Polka Dot Jersey of the King of the Mountains, Sergio Henao (Team Sky).  Although at this point, he has yet to jump out of the swiftly shrinking peloton.  At this point you can see the Ochre Jersey of Simon Gerrans (Orica GreenEdge) as he struggles to keep sight of Porte and his overall lead.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting created using watercolors from www.richesonart.com and 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.  In addition, be sure to check out my new book, "Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships" available now at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20Down%20Under/2682164-92-194179/Painting.html#.VqQOAvkrLIU