Tour Femmes '26, Stage 9: Winding Their Way Up

It was just nine women that came to the final ascent of Col d'Eze together... Well, there is one woman still off the front, but she is only about twenty seconds ahead.  This was the last time up, but the first time going this way.  It was a truly stunning climb of steep switch backs line with houses, villas, and apartment buildings all looking back towards the sea.  This is one of those climbs that I like to think I want to try but know I would hate myself about halfway up.  With the exception of the fans on the side of the road, it was just race vehicles and fans back behind the tiny 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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Winding Their Way Up TdFF26-61" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour Femmes '26, Stage 8: Arriere du Peloton

With a two-woman breakaway up the road by six minutes it seemed the peloton was taking the first part of the day a bit easy.  After one of the quartet of climbs of the day the peloton was looking at a long gradual descent along a river valley all of the way to Nice.  They do have to detours over the last two climbs today.  So, at the back of the peloton Reijanne Markus (Lidl-Trek) and Alice Towers (EF Education-Oatly) seemed to enjoy the view and a bit of chat.  At least until they get a bit closer to Nice.

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: "Arriere du Peloton TdFF26-49" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour Femmes '26: Stage 7: Mont Ventoux Awaits

Since the course of the fifth edition of the Tour de France Femmes all eyes have been focused on the end of this stage.  It was proposed that women couldn't climb the big mountains that are in the men's Tour to which the current Maillot Jaune, Marlen Reusser, responded, "People were stupider then."  I am sure there are some in the peloton that weren't looking forward to the effort that would be required off them in roughly another ten kilometers.  But I think both the peloton, and all of us watching, were excited to see how the climb up to that research tower atop the Mont Ventoux was going to play out.

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: "Mont Ventoux Awaits TdFF26-41" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour Femmes '26, Stage 5: Hoarding Polka Dots

As the peloton neared the summit of the Cote de Saint Christophe Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech) jumped free to claim the maximum Queen of the Mountain points at the summit.  This makes the third out of three climbs in this stage that she was the first over the top.  While she is already Queen, she clearly wants to put her hold on the Maillot a Pois out of reach for anyone else.  In other words, she is hoarding all of the points available today.  It looks like no one in this group has much interest in trying to deny her her quest.

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: "Hoarding Polka Dots TdFF26-25" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

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Tour Femmes '26, Stage 3: Time to Chase

I'm not sure why it took so long, but with thirty-eight kilometers to race, the peloton finally started to chase the two women up the road.  With the increase in pace, the peloton stretched out into a fast single-file line with those at the back wondering what happened.  Paula Ostiz (Movistar) popped off the back just after I painted this.  Maeva Squiban (UAE Team L'IMAD) - who had won a stage so beautifully last year - hung onto the wheel of Laura Ascencio (Ma Petite Entreprise) with Malwina Mul (Cofidis) and Emilie Morier (St Michel-Home Preference-Auber93) hanging onto the wheels in front of them. Everyone but Ostiz finished with the peloton, but none ever caught the two 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.

Purchase this painting here: "Time to Chase TdFF26-16" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

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Tour Femmes '26, Stage 2: Calm and Controlled

With twenty-eight kilometers until the finish in Geneva, SD Worx-Protime had control on the front of the peloton as they chased the lone woman up the road.  At this point Lorena Wiebes in her Maillot Jaune following the wheels of her teammates including Micha Bredewold and Nienke Vinke, felt comfortable in her team's ability to reel in Riejanne Markus.  Tucked in behind the work of the team of the yellow jersey were Loes Adegeest (Lidl-Trek) and her teammate Amanda Spratt.  Those two weren't going to help in the chase since Markus was on Lidl-Trek, too.  It wasn't until they hadn't gotten any closer in the next fifteen kilometers that the team began to lose the coolness and feared they may not have things under control after all.

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: "Calm and Controlled TdFF26-10" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

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Tour Femmes '26, Stage 2: Climbing through the Vineyard

After a sharp turned off of the main road, this wall rose up in front of the peloton lined by grapevines and cycling fans all of the way up the ten percent average climb.  The trio from St Michel-Preference Home-Auber93 of Heidi Franz, Caroline Wreszin, and Alicia Gonzalez fought to stay on the wheels of the women in front of them.  The hope for everyone was to be able to quickly reform the peloton once over this vicious little ascent.  They all did, 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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Climbing through the Vineyards TdFF26-8" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour '26, Stage 21: And Now, We Race

Egan Bernal (Netcompany-Ineos) in his Colombian Champion's jersey was lucky enough to have his mechanical before the peloton started to race in earnest.  Just as he joined Tiesj Benoot (Decathlon-CMA CGM), Guillaume Martin (Groupama FDJ-United) and Nicolas Breuillard (TotalEnergies) at the back of the peloton just as the pace ramped up on the front.  As they headed up towards the l'Arc de Trimophe, it was clear that the aggressors were hoping to get free of what they felt would be the grip of the sprinters' teams.  Here we go!

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: "And Now, We Race TdF26-158" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour '26, Stage 20: Hanging Tough on the Galibier

As the peloton climbed the Col du Galibier it was good to see Warren Barguil (Picnic-PostNL) and the American Sean Quinn (EF Education-EasyPost) still hanging onto the group.  With his twin brother up the road, Anders Johannessen (Uno X-Mobility) was still here as well.  Of course, he and the rest of the peloton were now almost four-and-a-half minutes behind the breakaway with the gap continuing to grow.  Conversely, the grupetto was way back down this long mountain climb.

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: "Hanging Tough on the Galibier TdF26-146" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour '26, Stage 18: In No Hurry to Get There

Today was a day for the breakaway.  As the peloton rode through the valley prior to the final climb of the day over six minutes behind those vying for stage honors.  No one in the group ahead was within twenty minutes of Tadej Pogacar's lead, so there wasn't really any reason to chase.  Plus, down there amongst all of those cyclists are all of the top eight on the general classification.  As long as none of them attack, it is kind of a day off for the top of the leader board (and their teammates).  I know I wouldn't be in any hurry to get up into those mountains.  I would be excited about descending back into the valley, however.

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: "In No Hurry to Get There TdF26-130" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

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Tour '26, Stage 17: Attacking Near 4 K

I was confused why Victor Campenaerts (Visma-Lease a Bike) was helping chase down the six-man breakaway.  Now I understand.  His teammate, the American, Matteo Jorgenson attacked on a final roller inside of the four-kilometer banner.  When he went only two guys could go with him.  Not really visible are Derek Gee-West (Lidl-Trek) and Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost) finding shelter behind the broad shoulders of the American.  Dropping of but still off the front is the former world champion Michal Kwiatkowski (Netcompany-Ineos).  Being a fan of Jorgenson, I was hoping this would stick, but the sprinters wanted their final chance.  Well, the sprinters that were still in the vastly reduced 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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Attacking Near 4 K Tdf26-126" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour '26, Stage 12: The Break Is Locked In

Just as in the previous sprint stages, the peloton never let the breakaway get much of an advantage.  As they rode along the side of one of the many canals crisscrossing the French countryside, they had the progress of the break pegged.  I went of the rather poor joke since the peloton was approaching one of the many locks along this canal.  It looks like the lock operator was throwing a Tour watch party since the race was going right by his front door.

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: "The Break Is Locked In TdF26-82" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

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Tour '26, Stage 8: Through the Eye of a Needle

This might be one of the more beautiful roads of the 113th Tour de France thus far.  It was quite the sight to see the front of the peloton riding through the gates of the old town as they started one of the only two small climbs of the day, the Cote de Domme.  At this point it was an easy fit for the front end of the peloton, but when the main body of the group got there those in the back had to come to a stop, waiting their turn to squeeze into town.  While it was a pretty vista, but I am sure those that had to start the climb from a dead stop after a hundred kilometers of racing weren't thrilled with the narrowest of the gate nor with the skinniness of the roads up the climb.  Still, it makes a lovely picture, doesn't it?

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 Eye of a Needle TdF26-53" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour '26, Stage 4: Hot as Hell

I'm always excited to spot Didi Stenft aka 'The Devil' out along the side of the road during the Tour de France.  It seemed appropriate to find the Devil on the hottest Tour stage in the 113-year history of the race.  I think the temperatures had even gotten to Didi.  Rather than his traditional, and impressive, high leaps into the air, he opted instead to stand atop something along the side of the road as the peloton sped by.  I did spy him during yesterday's stage, but he was so mashed in with fellow cycling fans that all I could see was his trident and the tips of his horns.  It is a bit odd to see him so early in the Tour, too.

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: "Hot as Hell TdF26-27" (Original art by Greig Leach)

 Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

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Fleche Wallonne '26: Not Where He Should Be

As the peloton climbed the Cote de Cherave for the first of three times, the camera man picked out Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Cycling) dangling at the back of the pack.  He was struggling to hold onto the wheel of Anders Halland Johannessen (Uno X-Mobility).  With another 78 kilometers to race it was looking unlikely that he will not be winning his fourth Fleche Wallonne.  I could have been that he was faking weakness, but he did pull out of the race not too long after I painted this.  At least, I think it wasn't soon after, I do know he didn't finish this edition of this iconic race.

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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.  

"Not Where He Should Be FW26-2" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour Femmes '25, Stage 8: The Mountains Are Waiting

Well, technically, more mountains are waiting for the peloton since they have already been over a category one climb already today.  Marie Le Net (FDJ-Suez) in her French National Champion's kit is coming back up to her teammates ladened with water bottles from her team car.  Today's stage still includes a climb over the category two climb of the Cote de Saint Georges d'Hurtieres and then the mountain top finish on the haute catagorie climb of the Col de la Madeleine.  With that much still facing these women, it is imperative that they be fueled up for what lays ahead.  

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.

"The Mountains Are Waiting TdFF25-45" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour Femmes '25, Stage 6: Going Out the Back

As the peloton climbed the first Category 1 col of this Tour de France Femmes many found the pace a bit too high for them.  In fact, Celia Le Mouel (Ceratizit) and Emma Norsgaard (Lidl-Trek) came off the back during the climb before the official start of the Col de Beal.

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.

"Going Out the Back TdFF25-29" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour Femmes '25, Stage 5: Bookends

As the peloton road up through down a few were finding the pace a bit tough, Emilie Morier (St Michel-Preference Home-Auber93) & Emily Watts follow their teammates onto the tail of the peloton.  Struggling to hold on as well was Ane Santesteban (Laboral Kutxa-Fundacion Euskadi) all being photographed by a lone fan on one side of the road and a swarm on the other.  The title comes from the fact that Santestevan's teammate is up the road by four minutes in a five-woman breakaway, so the team is bookending the race today.

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.

"Bookends TdFF25-23" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 21: Leading on the Champs Elysees

I have painted Magnus Cort (Uno X-Mobility) in previous Tours de France; in fact he owns one of my paintings of him.  All Tour I have been looking for him, and here on the final stage he pops up attacking the peloton on the drop back down from the l'Arc de Triomphe.  Given what is going to happen with the new course for the finale of the Tour, this attempted breakaway will most likely not bear fruit.  At least not the fruit Cort is hoping for.  It did finally enable me to paint this Dane racing in the Tour de France.

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. 

"Leading on the Champs Elysees TdF25-141" (Original art by Greig Leach) 

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Tour '25, Stage 19: Snaking Up the Climb

Almost immediately after the intermediate sprint the peloton started climbing.  It wasn't do long until they began the official ascent of the Col du Pre.  It is rare to see a roadway snake up a steep climb like this.  The stage had been shortened due to an outbreak of a highly contagious skin disease amongst the local cattle herds, so it was decided to shorten the route thus avoiding the area and one of the four climbs on the original parcours for the day.  That had thousands of fans rushing off of that mountain to find somewhere they could watch the race.  I think they all came to this beautiful stretch of roadway.  I you squint you can make out the leading vehicles on the first two turns and the bulk of the peloton stretched between the third and fourth turns.  Just back from them is the start of the formation of the grupetto, the group of sprinters and others who are struggling with the climbs.  If the group is large enough, they won't be eliminated from the Tour even if they finished outside of the time limit for 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. 

"Snaking Up the Climb TdF25-126" (Original art by Greig Leach)

This painting has already sold!