Tour Femmes '26, Stage 5: Chasing the Tail

With seventy-eight kilometers to race, the peloton stretched out into a long single-file line as it started up yet another climb.  As she crossed a small bridge (I always know the descent is over once I cross a bridge) Nadia Gontova (Liv-Alula-Jayco) struggled to hold onto the tail of the speeding peloton.  I had thought of a dog chasing its tail, but I didn't want to go there with the title.  I wouldn't want anyone to misunderstand me nor my admiration for these amazing athletes.  Sometimes, I know when to keep my thoughts to myself - oops, I guess not always.

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: "Chasing the Tail TdFF26-27" (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 '26, Stage 2: Coming Back to the Peloton

The Mexican National Champion, Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates) had a mechanical and both of his team cars didn't see him on the side of the road.  Once they realized he was stuck, one of the mechanics got onto his spare bike and rode back down the road to find him.  As of this writing, I don't know if the mechanic, the team, or Del Toro, was fined for going backwards on the racecourse.  I do apologize for getting the flag of Mexico backwards, I only realized my mistake later in the stage (yes, more Del Toro paintings are coming).  He was forced to do a rather scary chase back through the team car caravan on his way back to the peloton.  You will discover in later paintings whether or not the chase took the fire out of his legs for the finale.

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: "Coming Back to the Peloton TdF26-10" (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 → 

Paris Roubaix '26: Closer and Closer

After his trials in the Forest of Arenberg, Mathieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) was forced to chase hard and mainly on his own in hopes of regaining the front of the race.  Forty kilometers after the forest he had seventy-seven seconds helped occasionally by Flippo Ganna (Ineos-Grenadiers).  They were followed by the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe teammates, Gianni Vermeersch and Tim Van Dijke along with someone from TotalEnergies.  The others seemed either unable or unwilling to help in the effort of recatching those up the road.

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. 

"Closer and Closer PR26-5" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Roubaix '26: Forced to Chase

After he got back onto his own bike, Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) set about the arduous task of chasing down the leaders on the road.  In the eighteen kilometers since he had his mechanical he has pulled himself within nineteen seconds as he bumped across another pave sector.  Behind him Max Walscheid (Lidl-Trek), Matej Mohoric (Bahrain-Victorious) and Rasmus Pedersen (Decathlon CMA CGM) were thrilled to have such a strong rider to help pull them along.  Will they still be on his wheel when he rejoins the front of the 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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Forced to Chase PR26-3" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Roubaix '26: Bringing Wout Back

It is said of Paris Roubaix, "it isn't a question of if you will have bad luck, it is only a question of when."  Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) had an early mechanical and was paced back to the peloton by his teammate Christophe Laporte with another 147 kilometers to race.  Clearly, he has plenty of time to get back on, but it is never good to have to use energy chasing that you are going to need at the end of the day.  Alexis Renard (Cofidis) was thrilled to have a strong duo to pull him back to the peloton over one of the early cobbled sectors.

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.

"Bringing Wout Back PR26-1" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 7: Racing Back

With thirty-three kilometers to race, Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step) was being paced back into the peloton after a nature break by his teammate Pascal Eenkhoorn.  The pair streaked pass Jonas Rutsch (Intermarche-Wanty) who may have been looking for his team car.  Evenepoel is wearing a white jersey since he is currently the best young rider of this Tour.  Evenepoel won the Maillot Blanc in 2024 and finished third taking the final step of that Tour's podium.  He seemed to be having a bit of trouble regaining the peloton as the speed continued to increase as the race flew to the conclusion 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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Racing Back TdF25-43" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Gent-Wevelgem 23, Women's Race: Jump On!

Today's race has been marred by crashes and bad luck, seemingly most of it befalling Marta Bastianelli (UAE Team Emirates).  In the most recent one she wasn't as damaged as much as others.  They were able to get back going as well, at least Katia Ragusa (Liv Racing Teq Find) and Katarzyna Miewadoma (Canyon-SRAM) were able to get up and chase the now diminshed peloton.  As Ragusa speed past the struggling Bastianelli she seemed to call to her to jump onto their express train.  With 42 kilometers to go, it seemed as though they won't have too much problem getting back on terms.  

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/Professional-Womens-Cycling/3942691-62-207546/Painting/jump-on-gw23-8.html

Tour Down Under '23, Stage 4: Echelons in Australia

Once the strong costal winds started to blow from left to right on the long straight roads through the vineyards of the McLaren Valley, Jayco-Alula went to the front of the peloton and put the hammer down.  The result was that this large group lost the wheels of the group and front, losing almost a minute on those ahead.  A few of the hopefuls got caught off guard including the former race leader, Rohan Dennis (Jumbo-Visma).  He is one of that group of yellow jersey about half way down this line.  Try as they might, these guys never got closer than twenty seconds behind the group containing the Ochre Jersey.  Unfortunately for them, that was just as the peloton hit the same point where the race split apart originially.

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/3928395-168-194179/Painting/echelons-in-australia-tdu23-22.html

Tour Down Under '23, Stage 3: Brought Back by a Star

After a crash Corbin Strong (Israel-Premier Tech) was first helped out by the four time Tour de France winner (and teammate) Chris Froome.  Then as the two were back underway, it was Froome doing the work to get Strong back into the peloton.  After all Strong was the best place member of the general classification on the team.  I use to not be a fan of Froome, but his time with his new team has earned my respect.  That and just how are he has worked to get back to the elite level after his crash in Paris Nice a few years back.

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/3928152-163-194179/Painting/brought-back-by-a-star-tdu23-17.html

Tour '22, Stage 2: Forced to Chase

A minor crash at the start of the 18 kilometer bridge forced most of EF Education-EasyPost to drop back to help get Rigoberto Uran back into the peloton.  Basically, Owain Doull and Alberto Bettiol chased the entire span of the bridge in hopes of getting their team leader back on.  It wasn't until their time trial specialist, Stefan Bissenger, drop back that they were able to rejoin the peloton at the base of the bridge.  Sadly, it was just in time to get caught up in another crash, but at least that was inside the final three kilometers so they all got the same time as the stage winner.  Marijn Tusveld (DSM) was one of many that were able to take advantage of the pink chase to rejoin as well.

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-2022/3891739-9-294403/Painting/forced-to-chase-tdf22-9.html

Tour, Stage 14: Are We Surrendering?

Tim Declercq (Deceuninck-Quick Step) looks back over his shoulder at his teammate who was just on the radio to their director sportif.  He seemed to be asking if they were going to surrender to the efforts on the front of the peloton by the team of Peter Sagan, Bora-Hansgrohe.  The Slovakian's team had been joined by another team, CCC, who had the last sprinter in the peloton.  Deceuninck-Quick Step's sprinter, Sam Bennett, who has the Green Jersey, was dropped by the pace dictated by Sagan.  As they raced hard to close the gap, they just weren't gaining any ground so it appears that the decision was made to sit up.  There are some big mountains coming tomorrow, so it was thought it was best to save their energy rather than blow up on a fruitless chase.  It is impossible for Bennett to lose the jersey today, but should Sagan win the stage it will be tougher to keep it all of the way to Paris.

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-de-France-2020/3699519-91-282744/Painting/are-we-surrendering-tdf20-85.html

Tour, Stage 2: Just About Back

Daniel Felipe Martinez (EF Pro Cycling) had the misfortune of crashing on the penultimate descent of the day, the Col d'Eze.  With just three teammates up the road, two of whom were the teams GC contenders, it took some time of the only available teammate, Hugh Carthy, to drop back to help out.  The EF duo road incredible hard through the streets of Nice in their successful attempt to rejoin the peloton.  Sadly for Martinez, the effort left him unable to hang on to the peloton on the final climb up the Col des Quatre Chemins.  The lost time most likely ruined his chances of repeating his Maillot Jaune winning Criterium de Dauphine, but the team still has two cards to play in the race for the Yellow Jersey.

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-de-France-2020/3687333-16-282744/Painting/just-about-back-tdf20-10.html

Tour, Stage 8: Having to Chase

The Irishman, Dan Martin (UAE Team Emirates) is seeing both sides of this Tour de France.  He took the stage atop Mur de Bretagne two days ago and today he finds himself in a desperate chase at the end of stage 8.  With just four kilometers left to the line in Amiens, it doesn't look like the bloodied Martin will see the peloton again.  In fact despite the efforts of his teammates, including Kristijan Durasek, he lost just under a minute on the day.  His Tour is now where near over, but the mishap didn't help his chances.  It does remain to be seen if his injuries were relatively minor (as they appear) or if they included broken bones and torn ligaments.  The racer's adrenaline will help them jump back up and finish a stage but it may hide the actual damage that has been done.

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/Tour-de-France-2018/3187348-39-251072/PaintingHaving-to-Chase--T18-39.html