Tour '26, Stage 15: High Fiving His Doppelganger

Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) attacked the breakaway with Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5) as they started up the Col de la Croisette.  Jumping out of the crowd waving an American flag was an uber-fan.  Perhaps mimicking his greeting of his dad in stage 13, Simmons high fived the fan who dressed as his favorite pro cyclist.  This guy seemed to have a wig and a real mustache in an effort to look like the flamboyant USA National Champion.  Just to make sure everyone knew he was supposed to be, he had Simmons' logo on the front of his tank top and his photo on the back.  The high five will be the topic of conversation for the rest of the fan's life.  NBC/Peacock enjoyed it, too.  They showed it several times, including once in slo-mo.

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: "High Fiving His Doppelganger TdF26-107" (Original art by Greig Leach)

This painting has sold, but digital prints are available at the link above.

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 12: A Quick Salute

While off the front of the peloton Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) reached out to high-five a fan with an American flag on the side of the road.  As the fan turned to cheer on the USA Champion, it was cleared to me that the fan was Quinn's dad.  How cool is it to be in the Tour, off the front of the peloton, and actually find your dad in the crowd at the side of the road.  Of course, Quinn may have known where he would be and went on the attack just so they could have this moment.  I remember when a French rider stopped in a time trial to greet his young son and wife.  The ASO (the group that organizes the Tour) fined him for conducted that reflects poorly on the sport.  And absurd ruling, but will they feel the same about this?  I guess Quinn and his dad are safe since he didn't stop.

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: "A Quick Salute TdF26-84" (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 '25, Stage 15: Plenty of Time to Celebrate

Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates) had over a minute-and-a-half over the lone chasers and another few seconds over the group from the early breakaway.  That gave him more than enough time to celebrate with the fans along the final kilometer of the stage.  After exchanging high fives, he gave the two-armed salute for the cameras as he won his first Tour de France stage of his career.  He now joins a relatively small group of Pro Tour riders who have won a stage in all three Grand Tours.  It is the fifth stage win for his team as well.  Much talk was made about just how strong of a team Visma-Lease a Bike brought to the Tour, but judging by stage wins the advantage goes to UAE Team Emirates.  It is true that Visma is leading the team competition by sixteen minutes.  That is determined by the combined times of any teams three best place members.

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.

"Plenty of Time to Celebrate TdF25-101" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Richmond 2015 UCI Worlds: Dropped But Not Forgotten

Team Jelly Belly brought four riders to the line, meaning two were left out on the road to make it home on their own.  I am sorry I don't know this man's name, but the enthusiastic Richmond fans welcomed him to the line with high fives and cheers.  It had to lift his spirits and propel him through the pain and potential embarrassment.  It may me proud of my fellow Richmonders.

This is an original small watercolor and ink painting that is available as an original or two different size prints at the Convention Center.  Later they can be purchased through www.richmond.com.  This was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.

US Pro Challenge Stage 4: Thanking His Fans

When asked if he would be given an honorary lap of the Champs Elysees before riding his final stage of the Tour de France, Jens Voigt replied, "Honor in cycling is not given, it is earned."  Today he was not given a stage victory and he came 750 meters short of earning the victory as well.  Just as he attacked on the Champs Elysees, but did not win the stage.  However, he has won the hearts of cycling fans around the globe, and today reached out, high fiving scores of those along the side of the road as he rolled towards the finishing line behind the peloton.  Once he had been caught, there was no reason to keep racing.  He will need a very long arm indeed to high five all of those who are fans of this senior statesman of cycling.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this 4"x6" painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Be warned, this is a first come first served chance to own one of the last paintings done live from Jens Voigt racing.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/US%20Pro%20Challenge%202014/2423516---201508/Painting.html#.U_e-xM_D_IU