Tour '26, Stage 19: Through the Tifosi

These three still had forty-four seconds on the fast-closing Tadej Pogacar as they forced their way through the throngs of fans with another five kilometers to climb.  With everyone pressing so close, it was impossible for either Sepp Kuss (Visma-Lease a Bike) nor Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) to even think about passing Lenny Martinez (Bahrain-Victorious).  At least, the leader of the trio was putting in a good pace prior to the four-kilometer banner when the barriers will hold the crowd back for the rest of the way to the summit of the Alpe d'Huez.  This has often been described as a corridor of noise.  I would add that it is one of fear as well.  At any moment an over exuberant fan could fall into a rider or knock them off their bike (either intentionally or unintentionally).  Fortunately, as far as I know that didn't happen anywhere on this iconic Tour de France mountain.  And to think, we come back up to the summit from another direction tomorrow!

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: "Through the Tifosi TdF26-140" (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 '22, Stage 11: Give Me Room!

Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) was getting a bit frustrated with the loud Belgium fans running along side him.  It was particularly frustrating for the Dane since this guy had cut off his access to the short way around the corner.  Vingegaard was already on his absolute limit and he certainly didn't need any tifosi messing with his need to get up the mountain first.  I was struck that all of the fans on the other side of the road, all in cycling kit, were excited yet staying out of the way.  All of us cyclists know what it is like to have others make it harder for us to ride our bikes.  Vingegaard didn't make any contact with the "fan"  Good thing, riders have been kicked out of the Tour for punching an unruly fan.

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 $90 USD including shipping, and yes, international shipping is available. 

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3893540-66-294403/Painting/give-me-room-tdf22-66.html

Tour, Stage 12: Get Away from Me!

When I paint cycling (or the Olympics) I create the work live, or as close to live as possible.  Most notably, I make sure that I have no idea what has happened prior to where I am in the development of the race.  So when I painted this piece, I was focusing on, first, that Daniel Navarro (Cofidis) had dropped away and it was Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) that was on the front along with his countryman, Serge Pauwels (Dimension Data).  Secondly, I wanted to point out that Pauwels had raised his hand, but did not strike a fan that was getting in his face, yelling in his ear.  I point this out in reaction to Chris Froome (Sky) having struck an equally annoying and endangering fan in an earlier stage.  I had little idea that I was foreshadowing what was to come.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  While you are on the site, be sure to check out my other works of art and my two cycling books.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Bear in mind that this is a one of a kind original and once it is gone, it is gone.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2823784-86-224974/PaintingGet%20Away%20from%20Me!%20TdF85-Greig-Leach.html#.V4g1_7grLIU