Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 2: We Can Do This!

Despite having only about two or three seconds on the chasing peloton, Ella Simpson (St Michel-Preference Home-Auber93) yells encouragement to Sarah Van Dam (Ceratizit) in hopes that the two could slip away at the foot of the final climb of Willunga Hill.  Naturally, the peloton and the overall contenders weren't going to let these two spoil their party.  They were caught (and dropped) by the peloton mere moments after I painted this.  With only seven kilometers until the end of the stage, there was no time for messing about.

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. 

"We Can Do This! TDU25-9" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 11: Last Chance Saloon

With the peloton closing in on the early breakaway, the team cars will soon be pulled out of the gap.  Paul Lapeira (Decathlon-Ag2r-Mondiale) in his tri-colore French National Champion jersey wisely grabbed a bottle and some food while he still had the chance.  Lapeira was joined in the break by his fellow Frenchman Guillaume Martin (Cofidis) in the now ten-man group.  With another 61 kilometers left in the stage, the peloton was just too close for these guys to still have any hope of a stage win.  With four more climbs to come, it most likely means they won't have much chance to amass King of the Mountain Points either.

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.

"Last Chance Saloon TdF24-58" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 5: Little Chance

Perhaps because they knew it would be futile to try and hold off the sprinters' teams it wasn't until 45 kilometers before a break away got formed.  It was Quentin Pacher (Groupama-FDJ) that got off the front alone.  Within a kilometer or two he was joined by Matteo Vercher (TotalEnergies).  I believe that Groupama-FDJ has been in every single break away of the Tour thus far.  The duo built up a nearly five minute lead on those behind before they started the chase in earnest behind.

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.

"Little Chance TdF24-23" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Strade Bianche Donne 24: The Leading Trio

This threesome of Riejanne Markus (Visma-Lease a Bike), Alena Amialiusik (UAE Team ADQ) and Amber Karnak (FDJ-SUEZ) had gotten away from the erstwhile break away companions (you can just see them coming out of the corner behind) with another thirty-five kilometers to race.  They were hoping that they could stay away from the ever nearing peloton whom had narrowed the gap to a mere thirty-one seconds.  It was unlikely they would be able to hold off the marquee chasers, particularly since numerable former winners of the race were in the group further behind.

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/Professional-Womens-Cycling/4002624-73-207546/Painting/the-leading-trio-sb24-2.html

Tour Down Under, Stage 4: We Tried

After 120 kilometers Jackson Medway (Team Australia) and Vinicius Rangel (Movistar) could see the peloton in the distance closing down their break away attempt.  The pair shook hands to celebrate the effort and collaboration in what was a doomed effort for a stage victory.  Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

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/3996043-194-194179/Painting/we-tried.-tdu24-17.html

Tour Down Under, Stage 2: We’ve Got a Gap

Once the first attempt at a an escape was reeled back in, it was the American Champion, Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) went on the offensive.  He was joined by Bastien Tronchon in the new kit of Decathlon-Ag2r-Mondiale.  I must admit that I already miss the brown shorts.  Much to Simmons’ frustration, Tronchon seemed unwilling to help in the escape, perhaps fearing the closing speed of the guy in the Stars and Stripes.  With four kilometers to go, the peloton was a mere 50 meters behind them, so without cooperation their efforts would likely be in vain.

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/3995732-186-194179/Painting/weve-got-a-gap.-tdu24-9.html

Tour Down Under, Stage 1: First Pro Tour, First Jersey

As I have already mentioned, this is Louis Barre’s (Arkea-B&B Hotels) first Pro Tour race.  Today, he honored his debut by getting into the break away that stuck for most of the final kilometers of the opening stage of the Tour Down Under.  With his effort, he has now done enough to claim the first King of the Mountains Jersey in the 2024 TDU.  After getting over Mengler Hill first for the second time, he is congratulated by his break away companion, Georg Zimmerman (Intermache-Wanty).  Both are debutantes to the opening Tour of the season, and both made a mark on their first day in South Australia.

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/3995482-180-194179/Painting/first-pro-tour-first-jersey.-tdu24-3.html

Tour Down Under, Stage 1: No Time to Stop

After multiple break aways, and multiple attempts by Louis Barre (Arkea-B&B Hotels) finally got into a break with Georg Zimmerman (Intermache-Wanty) that actually was able to open up a good side gap on the rather relaxed peloton behind.  The pair seemed to be willing to but in the effort to stay away, and to share the prizes out on the road.  It is the first time in the Tour Down Under for both men, and the very first Pro Tour race for the Frenchman, Barre.  Not a bad debut for either rider.

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/3995481-179-194179/Painting/no-time-to-stop.-tdu24-2.html

Tour de Fance 23, Stage 21: Back Up to the l'Arc Triomphe

With the Maillot Blanc back in the peloton where he belongs, it was a great time for a counter move.  And Nelson Oliveira (Movistar), joined by Simon Clarke (Israel-Premier Tech) and Frederik Fison (Lotto-Dstny) did just that with just two laps left to race.  They quickly opened up a gap since they were not at threat to anyone except those that wanted to sprint for victory on the Champs Elysees.  This was the second time Fison had tried to flee the peloton.  Most likely, this attempt will not be anymore successful than the previous.  Still if you don't try you definitely won't succeed.

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-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3967240-148-297438/Painting/back-up-to-the-larc-triomphe-tdf23-143.html

 

Tour de France 23, Stage 19: Escaping Again

Yesterday and again on two occasions today, Victor Campenaerts (Lotto-Dstny) has successfully attacked the peloton.  This time he was able to simple ride away from everyone.  Only Simon Clarke (Israel-Premier Tech) could dig deep enough to get onto the Belgium's wheel.  Shortly after I painted this, Clarke just sat up, apparently cramping, and went straight out the back of the chasers.  A few minutes later, it was Campenaerts turn to completely implode.  With riders strewn all across the course, it was hard for team cars to get up and be able to provide food and drink to their men.  I'm not saying that is why their escape didn't work to the line, but it may have played a part in their being caught and dropped.

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-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3966637-128-297438/Painting/escaping-again-tdf23-128.html 

 

Tour de France 23, Stage 11: A Monumental Task

Unlike the first obvious sprint stage, today three guys went out in the early break away, despite just how big their odds of success were.  It was Andrey Amador (EF Education-EasyPost) was the one to get the effort started.  He was joined by Matis Louvel (Arkea-Samsic), currently on the front and Daniel Oss (TotalEnergies).  It stuck me as a little odd that Oss was out in a break, he is Peter Sagan's lead out man.  I would think he would stay with his team leader in hopes of getting Sagan a stage win in his final Tour de France.  With 130 kilometers to race, the peloton had yet to let them get more than two minutes ahead, so it is just shy of a zero chance that they will contest for stage honors.

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-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3965091-62-297438/Painting/a-monumental-task-tdf23-62.html

Tour de France 23, Stage 4: Is this Going to Work?

I am quite sure that Benoit Cosnefroy (Ag2r-Citroen) knew well the answer to the title of this painting.  Yet, he seemed to be asking it of his countryman Anthony Delaplace (Arkea-Samsic) just the same.  The pair had slipped off the front of the peloton just after the sprinters finished the intermediate sprint.  To their chagrin no one else came along in the effort.  So it is almost certainly doomed given the clearly designed stage for the sprinters.  I am sure with the mountains looming tomorrow, the fast guys weren't going to let their chance to shine slip away.  And if you are wondering, they were back in the peloton about 30 kilometers later never having gotten more than a minute ahead of the peloton.

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-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3963723-21-297438/Painting/is-this-going-to-work-tdf23-22.html

Tour de France 23, Stage 3: Last Climb in Spain

Today did not go as planned for Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost), it went a whole lot better!  It was cleared that he and the team thought he would only be able to gain points on the first two climbs of the day, but instead the peloton decided that they were only going to race for stage honors.  That meant that he was able to go over the top of every climb on the stage first, thanks in part to an agreement with his break away companion, Laurent Pichon (Arkea-Samsic).  Pichon didn't vie for the climbs, and Powless didn't vie for the intermediate sprint.  Once over this climb, Powless sat up to save energy on the rest of the way to the finish.  Pichon carried on thus earning himself the most agressive rider of the stage prize.  You'll notice that Powless' bib number is a pale yellow, that denotes that he won that prize for his efforts in Stage 2.

All along the roads of the three stages in the Spanish Basque countryside, the fans have been out in droves.  They made sure they were there to see the Tour over the last climb in Spain in droves.  Seemingly, every single person had their own Basque flag.

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-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3963461-16-297438/Painting/last-climb-in-spain-tdf23-16.html

Fleche Wallonne 23, Men’s Race: Down to Two

Soren Kragh Andersen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) attacked his erstwhile break away companions over the second climb of the Cote d’Ereffe.  Of the other seven in the original group, only Georg Zimmerman (Intermache-Circus-Wanty) was able to join the Dane on the front of the race.  They had another 46 kilometers to race but they were holding off the chasers and the peloton, for now.

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, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3946908-544-195767/Painting/down-to-two-fw23-8.html

Gent-Wevelgem 23, Men's Race: Riding Away

Having gotten a gap on the way up the Kimmelberg, Christophe Laporte (Jumbo-Visma) and his teammate, Wout Van Aert pushed on whilst going down the other side of the climb.  The two quickly opened up just over a minute on the disorganized peloton unable to get back on terms behind.  The peloton was being frustrated by two more of this duo's teammates.  With this situation, Jumbo-Visma was in an enviable position, should Laporte and Van Aert stay away, they will win.  Should they be caught, then Nathan Van Hooydonck and Olav Kooij will be well rested and more than capable of mounting a very strong sprint for victory.  Whether this was by design or good fortune, it was sure to be a winning strategy.

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, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3942462-511-195767/Painting/riding-away-gw23-4.html

Paris Nice 23, Stage 7: Looking Around at the Front

Javier Romo (Astana) seemed to have the better legs of his own teammate in the early break away.  He is one of five who slipped away from the other dozen as they got ready to climb the Col de la Couiollole.  Both Nils Politt (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Pascal Eenkhoorn (Lotto-Dstny) seemed to have a lot to say to Romo and Jeremy Cabot (Total Energies).  As I painted this, I noticed that Eenkhoorn had his bottle in his hand, and was gesturing to his team car (off to the left as you view this) that he needed another bid on before he started the final climb 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 painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $90 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3939677-104-272742/Painting/looking-around-at-the-front.-pn23-22.html

Tour Down Under '23, Stage 4: The Two that Got Away

After multiple break away attempts, each pulled back by the peloton, this was the break that got away from the peloton.  It seemed a bit risky to let someone like Daryl Impey (Israel-Premier Tech) get away.  He was joined by Jonas Rutsch (EF Education-EasyPost).  The two could have used a few more if they had any true hope of staying away from a peloton that was planning on using the impending crosswinds to split the race apart.  The two did build up just under four minutes on those behind before the speed that comes from a peloton looking to position its team leaders reeled them back into the pack.  Not long after they were caught, Impey could be found back on the front working for his teammates.

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. 

If you can't afford to purchase a piece you could always help keep me going by buying me a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/greigsartc.  And check out my vlogs at my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGX-TnjXDSkkOidUE6pN1g 

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3928394-167-194179/Painting/the-two-that-got-away-tdu23-21.html

Liege Bastogne Liege '22: Who's Got the Legs?

As the leading group went up the Cote du Stockeu Harm Vanhoucke (Lotto Soudal) pushed the pace up the climb.  He did split the early group apart.  He took a quick look behind to see who was still with him.  Unfortunately, he did drop his own teammate.  While the group of now six men had a sizable gap on the peloton, just over three minutes, they still had another 75 kilometers to race.  

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 $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3881078-501-195767/Painting/whos-got-the-legs-lbl22-1.html

Strade Bianche: Making Their Own Luck

Cycling is full of tradition (and superstitions) one of which is that the guy who has bib number 13 will flip one upside down inorder to ward off the bad luck.  It is one of those small rule infractions that is never enforced.  But this foursome that included Lilian Calmejane (Ag2r-Citroen) - number 13 - Marco Brenner (DSM), Taco Van Der Hoorn (Intermache Wanty Gobert Materiaux) and Samuele Zoccarato (Bardiani-CSF Faizane) was making their own luck off the front of the peloton.  With 62 kilometers to race, the group had a nice two minute gap on those behind, but lets face it, this one wasn't going to stick. 

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 $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3870243-460-195767/Painting/making-their-own-luck-sb22-8.html

Flanders 2021: Getting a Gap

The Dutch women were on fire in the road race today.  It seemed that they were on the attack every other kilometer.  As so as one rider in orange was caught, another jumped free of the group.  This time it was Ellen van Dijk (Netherlands) who was looking back over her shoulder to see just who was with her and how big the gap was back to the rest of the peloton.  She was followed closely by riders from Australia, Italy, Great Britain, and France.  With 44 kilometers to race, this probably wasn’t the winning move, but those behind could not afford to let the strength of this group getting any advantage or their race would be over. 

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 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/Flanders-2021/3838685-23-292177/Painting/getting-a-gap.-uci21-23.html