Gent-Wevelgem 2021: I've Got a Question

With just 16 kilometers left in the race, Zdenek Stybar (Deceuninck-Quick Step) thought it would be best if he asked the race commissare for permission to drop back to his team car.  Usually, inside of the last 20 kilometers of a race riders are not allowed to go to their team cars nor take on any drinks, food, etc.  After a bit of a conversation, he was allowed to go back and talk to his sports director.  His teammate, Sam Bennett, had managed to hold onto the lead group over the final climb, but had gotten physically sick with the effort.  He was still with Stybar in the lead group, but I think he wasn't going to be able to stay there much longer.  Even he did hold the lead group, I can't imagine he was going to have much of a sprint.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow th edirect link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above.  Since ti is an original work of art, it is a first come first seved reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburth watercolors from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-2021/3802980-23-290150/Painting/i-have-a-question-gw21-5.html
 

Strade Bianche, The Final Section

Greg Van Avermaet (CCC Pro Cycling) was joined by Zdenek Stybar (Deceuninck-Quickstep) as the two dropped down onto the final gravel section of the day.  The duo was a minute behind the chasing threesome, and another six seconds behind the sole leader on the road.  With just under thirteen kilometers left to race, it was unlikely either would be taking the day. 

I was impressed to see the race marshall, with his warning flag under his arm, wearing his face mask, and wearing it properly.  We all need to be wearing one whenever we are out if we want to get back to watching bike racing and all of the other things (and people) we love.

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/2020-Bike-Racing-Revised-Season/3609835-10-280747/Painting/the-final-section-sb20-10.html

Giro, Stage 3: We've Got This

While the self called wolf pack of Quick Steps Floors might not be all wearing the same jersey, they certainly ride as one.  With just two kilometers to the line it was Maximilian Schachmann in his Maglia Blanco of best young rider leading out their sprinter, Elia Viviani in his purple best sprinter jersey.  on Schachman's wheel in the Czech national champion's jersey was Zdenek Stybar followed by Michael Morkov and another member of the boys in blue whose name I didn't catch.  They were working hard to deliver Viviani to his second stage victory of the 101st Giro d'Italia.

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3159229-14-249297/PaintingWe've-Got-This--G18-14.html

Paris Roubaix: A Great Spring!

This painting expresses the joy and frustration that is bike racing.

As feared, the trio of Greg Van Avermaet (BMC), Zdenek Stybar (Quickstep) and Sebastian Langeveld (Cannondale-Drapac) were got on the final turned by both Jasper Stuyven (Trek-Segafredo) and Giani Moscon (Sky).  In fact, it was Moscon that opened up the sprint to the line.  He was quickly swamped by Stybar.  However it was the on-fire Greg Van Avermaet who had the legs to take out the sprint and claim victory in Roubaix.  Stybar was clearly frustrated with his second place finish as he slapped his handlebars on the line.  Langeveld held on for third, with Stuyven and Moscon rounding out the top five.

It wasn't fated to be the fairy tale end of Tom Boonen's career.  In fact he wasn't able to sprint to victory within his finishing group either.  But he has provided us all with excitement, class and guts through his spectacular career.  Chapeau!

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.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I will be crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  Please feel free to become a follower of this blog to be informed of the project and your chance to participate in helping to make it happen.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/2947379-396-195767/PaintingA-Great-Spring!-PR17-10.html

Paris Roubaix: Looking It Over

After 250 kilometers of some of the roughest roads in northern Europe, the final kilometer is raced on the very smooth outdoor velodrome of Roubaix.  The high banks afford the racers a chance to look each other over and to possibly get a jump descending off of the high side of the curve.  The trio of Zdenek Stybar (Quickstep), Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) and Sebastian Langeveld (Cannondale-Drapac) had enough of a lead that they could slow down and try to out strategize each other.  However, if they get too carried away, the chasing duo of Giani Moscon (Sky) and Jasper Stuyven (Trek-Segafredo) might catch them and carrying speed steal the race at the last moment.

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/Spring-Classics-/2947371-395-195767/PaintingLooking-It-Over-PR17-9.html

Paris Roubaix: Which One of Us?

"Which one of us is going to win this thing?" seemed to be the question on the mind of Sebastian Langeveld (Cannondale-Drapac) as he looked over at Zdenek Stybar (Quickstep).  The third member of this escape trio was the reigning Olympic Gold Medalist, Greg Van Avermaet (BMC). They were racing through the section of heroes, the final serious section of pave that is lined with photos of the heroes of cycling over the ages at Paris Roubaix.  The organizers had placed the yellow barricades to keep everyone on the rough cobbles and off of the smooth shoulders.  Early the barricades also held the posters of the victors of the Hell of the North.

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/Spring-Classics-/2947366-394-195767/PaintingWhich-One-of-Us?-PR17-8.html

Binche-Chimay-Binche: Opening Up the Sprint

It was Arnaud Demare (FDJ) who opened up the sprint for the line.  Demare jumped from the back of the leading foursome of himself, Zdenek Stybar (Etixx-Quickstep), Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) and Jens Debusschere (Lotto Soudal).  Demare's move came early catching the others by surprise.  Only Stybar was able to catch the Frenchman's wheel and the pair sprinted to the line across the cobble stones, dropping the other two.  Try as he might, Stybar was unable to get around Demare and had to watch as the French sprinter raised his arm in victory.

Demare is in great form ahead of the UCI Road World Championships next week in Doha, Qatar.  I wonder if we will see a Frenchman wearing the Rainbow Jersey for the 2017 cycling season.

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/Other%20Cycling%20Art/2861584-37-206768/PaintingOpening%20Up%20the%20Sprint%20BCB5-Greig-Leach.html#.V_UlJPArLIU

Tirreno-Adriatico Stage 6: Absolute Power

Peter Sagan (Tinkoff), the current World Champion, swung out of the slipstream of the former World Champion, Michal Kwiatkowski (Team Sky), and drove for the line.  Reacting just a pedal stroke or two slower is the man whose attack lead to his counterattack that won him the World title was Greg Van Avermaet (BMC);  The fourth man in the very select group was race leader, Zdenek Stybar (Etixx-Quickstep).  He was keeping a close eye on affairs knowing that with the cancellation of the mountainous Stage 5 due to snow mere seconds separated his lead from those of his break away companions.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watecolors and Steve Quiller brushes both from www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting is available from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this original work of art, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

Plus, please be sure to check out my newest book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  The book is complied from my live paintings of the 2015 Championships here in my hometown of Richmond, Virginia along with my blogposts serving as the rough draft for the text of the book.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2743111-283-195767/Painting.html#.Vud3O_krLIU

Tirreno-Adriatico Stage 2: Timing It Right

I should tell you that I am now watching this race using RAI-TV's web broadcast, which has been great with the small exception of being in Italian - not a language that I am exactly fluent in.  That being said, the presenters were very excited with the attack by Giovanni Visconti (Movistar) but where going totally crazy when Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) countered Visconti's move bedecked in the tricolore of the Italian National Champion's Jersey.  However, it was the late move with just over two kilometers left by the former Czech National Champion, Zdenek Stybar (Etixx-Quicstep) that proved the be the well timed strong escape of the day.  Nibali wasn't able to chase down the fleeing Czech, nor could the reigning Slovak and World Champion, Peter Sagan.  Sagan managed to claim second on the day, but seems to be finding victory in the Rainbow Jersey a bit elusive.  Stybar's stage victory was enough to move him into the Maglia Azurro of race leader, with Tejay van Garderen (BMC) a mere nine seconds back (tied with a number of his teammates).

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 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.

In addition, be sure to check out my newest cycling art book of the Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2740954-268-195767/Painting.html#.VuJiq_krLIU

Tour de France Stage 6: Not As Expected

Everyone knew that the short steep climb right before the finish in Le Havre was going to alter the sprint.  Although in the pre-race interviews all of the sprinters and their team directors were down playing how hard the climb was going to be.  So as everyone assaulted the base of the climb, it was beginning to look like it was the stage for either Peter Sagan (Tinkoff Saxo) or Bryan Coquard (Europcar).  The only more or less pure sprinter to get into the mix was Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) although, John Debenkolb (Giant Alpecin) wasn't very far off of the pace either.  With Etixx-Quickstep having driven the pace for most of the day they seemed to be saying that Mark Cavendish would be up for the challenge.  Instead of Cavendish claiming his first victory in the 102nd Tour, as well as the first for his team, that honor went to Zdenek Stybar instead.  Alas, the jubilant celebration for Etixx-Quickstep was going to be very, very short lived.  Whereas their was cause for Sagan to celebrate his second place.  Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) was one of the sprinters who couldn't scale the final climb with the leaders, so Sagan has pulled closer to Greipel in the battle for the Maillot Vert.

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.  They are a family run art supply company located in the northern midwest United States.  You can find them on the web at www.richesonart.com.  You can find this painting and many others at my artist website at www.greigleach.com and you can purchase this painting for only $60 USD while you are there.  To buy this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  International shipping is available.  Remember, this is an original work of art, so when it is gone, it is gone.  Don't delay, you don't want to miss your chance to have a unique treasure from the 102nd Tour de France.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2578564---210122/Painting.html#.VZ7x5flViko

Tour de France Stage 4: It's Up to Him

First, it must be said that Chris Froome's (Team Sky) Tour is going so much better than last year's.  This year he is wearing the Maillot Jaune as he rides on the front of the peloton after completing all of the sections of pave, last year, he had crashed out before his front wheel ever touched a single pave.  With less than five kilometers to go, Simon Geraints (Team Sky) had swung off the front having given all he had left to help Froome gain time on those who had been dropped on the final section of pave.  With Greg Van Avermaet (BMC), John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin) and Zdenek Stybar (Etixx-Quickstep) on his wheel, Froome knew holding his Yellow Jersey was all up to him.  Hidden a few riders back was the man trailing him on general classification by just one second, Tony Martin (Etixx-Quickstep).  Further back, but well within striking distance were the rest of the main contenders for the overall victory.

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

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2577818---210122/Painting.html#.VZy0RPlViko

Liege Bastogne Liege: Life at the Back

Life at the back of the peloton is a mixed back of struggling, mechanicals and other special cycling skills.  Zdenek Stybar (Etixx Quickstep) is racing his arm to call forward his team car for some assistance.  Riders will drop back to the rear of the peloton and signal the race director that they need some help from their team car, of course they have already talked with their Director Sportif via radio to let him know just what the problem is.  Other riders like Mike Terpstra (Roompot) may be struggling to hold the pace of the group, while others like, Stephen Cummings (MTN Qhubeka) and Arnold Jeannesson (FDJ) are answering the call of nature.

When the pace is on, riders will merely get out of the peloton, whip it out, and let the stream flow.  So it is a courtesy to drop to the back, I imagine it isn't much fun to be in the slip stream of a rider who is relieving himself.  When the pace is slow, or in a mutual agreement among the group, riders will actually stop along the side of the road for a "break naturale".  Does that fit into the "too much information" category?

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that 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-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2546756---195767/Painting.html#.VT41-CHBzGc

Paris Roubaix: A Joyful Finish

What happened in the bell lap was what everyone of the riders (except Degenkolb) feared, the strongest sprinter took the sprint out of the six men who contested for the line.  So it was the John Degenkolb (Giant Alpecin) threw his arms in a joyful victory salute, moving one step up the podium from 2014.  Zdenek Stybar (Etixx Quickstep) managed to just hold off Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) to grab second place with the Belgium claim the third step of the podium.  Rounding out this group is Martin Elmiger (IAM Cycling), Lars Boom (Astana) and Jens Keukeleire (Orica GreenEdge).  Just finishing this race is a victory, but winning it can make a career.

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

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

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2541216---195767/Painting.html#.VSsVZPnF-xU

Paris Roubaix: Swinging in to the Velodrome

Etixx Quickstep made the final turn into the Velodrome in Roubaix with the advantage of numbers, I hesitate that they have been in this position before.  It was Yves Lampaert playing the roll of sacrificial domestique for his teammate, Zdenek Stybar.  Swinging in behind the Etixx Quickstep duo is the Belgium favorite, Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) follow closely by Lars Boom (Astana) and 3 others.  Paris Roubaix always ends on the Velodrome, a smooth steep banked track after the notorious pave, it must feel like a treasure reward of 750 meters.  Under the velodrome are the other reward, showers for victor and vanquished alike.

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

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

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2541180---195767/Painting.html#.VSsNc_nF-xU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: Pushing On

Realizing their mistake in letting Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) and Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quickstep) go, Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) jumped on the pedals on the Paterberg in hopes of chasing the pair down.  Ever vigilante for his team, Zdenek Stybar (Etixx-Quickstep) marked the BMC leader's move, with Geraint Thomas (Sky) and Filippo Pozatto (Lampre Merida) jumping in behind Stybar.  The Swiss flag (and many "We love you, Fabian" signs) were waved even though the three time Swiss winner of the race had crashed out of another race just two weeks earlier.  While their man wasn't there, their spirits (or consumption thereof) was hardly dampened.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to purchase this piece of original art for only $50 USD.  And yes, international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying discovering bike racing through my writings and paintings be sure to search out my recently published, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France"   Just google the title to find it through your local online bookseller.  It is available world wide so you should be able to avoid international shipping.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2538074---195767/Painting.html#.VSMcZ_nF-xU

E3 Harelbeke: Riding Away

Once these three crested the final berg of the race, they simply rode away from the rest of the remaining peloton.  This threesome of Zdenek Stybar (Etixx-Quickstep), Geraint Thomas (Sky) and Peter Sagan (Tinkoff Saxo) represented some very powerful cyclist.  Stybar is the current Czech National Champion, Sagan, the Slovak National Champion and Stannard is a former British National Champion.  All three possess the ability and the wit to claim victory today, although, Sagan is the defending champion wearing race bib number one.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2533368---195767/Painting.html#.VRZqnvnF-xU

E3 Harelbeke: Hittin 'em Hard

At the foot of the Kwarmond climb, it was Sep Vanmarcke (LottoNL Jumbo) who jumped hard on the pedals opening up a small gap on Stijn Vandenbergh (Etixx-Quickstep) and his teammate, Zdenek Stybar.  Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) was just behind.  Vanmarcke's move allowed all four of these attentive riders to prize out a gap on the peloton.  Alas, the gap was closed down by Team Sky once over the summit of the berg.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2533366---195767/Painting.html#.VRZohPnF-xU

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: Riding in the Gutter

With almost 190 kilometers in their legs, along with 10 steep climbs and this the final of eleven sections of pave, the riders were looking everywhere for the smoothest section of road.  While it adds some risk for punctures and collision with spectators, the side of the road (or gutter) is the smoothest section of the cobbles.  Of course, smooth is only a relative term here, it is still bone jarring when ridden at speed on a ultra light racing bicycle.  This trio are the second group on the road, hoping against hope that they will see the leading quartet before the finish line.  Leading the chase is Sep Vanmarcke (Lotto Jumbo NL), followed by a former winner, Greg Van Avermaet (BMC).  Tagged onto the back of the group not helping to chase down his teammates is the current Czech National Champion, Zdenek Stybar (Etixx Quickstep).

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that 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.

If you are enjoying reading about cycling this way and the accompanying artwork, be sure to check out my recently published book, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France"
http://www.greigleach.com/gallery/201710/Book+de+Tour/#.VPOW8vnF-xU

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2519200---195767/Painting.html#.VPOpk_nF-xU

Binche-Chimay-Binche: He Slipped Away

Omega Pharma Quick-Step had played their cards, or should I say riders, to perfection.  All day it was Thomas De Gendt out ahead of the group.  Then it was Niki Terpstra who left the peloton to join his teammate at the business end of the race.  Finally as the break went under the kilometer, it was the third man of the triumphant, Zdenek Stybar, the National Road Racing Champion of the Czech Republic, who nipped off the front.  Around the corner it was Styby who raised his arms in victory.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  International shipping is available, and the painting is only $50 USD.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2449128---195767/Painting.html#.VDYVgs_D_IU 

Paris-Nice Stage 6: Making It a Double

Naturally, if you and your team have been aggressive throughout the stage you really want to finish it off with a victory.  Even more so if the victory is the second one in a row and it wins you the Malliot Jaune.  So while AG2R rider, Alexis Villermoz crash within site of the finishing line, it was his teammate, Carlos Betancur, that got the better of the Rainbow Jersey of Rui Costa (Lampre), Geraint Thomas (Sky) Arthur Vichot (FDJ) and Zdenek Stybar (OPQS).  Between the bonus seconds for winning the stage and Stybar nipping Thomas at the line to gain the final bonus seconds available for the stage, Betancur gain enough time to take over the Yellow Jersey of race leader.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available for purchase through my artist website, 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%202014/2328181---195767/Painting.html#.UyPHqcvD_IU