Giro, Stage 11: The First to Leave

Once the two escapees from the break had been caught, it was time for others to give it a go.  The first to jump free from the large leading break was the youngster on Team Quickstep, Laurens de Plus.  He quickly opened up a nice gap as he rode by the pink balloon decorated fence.  It is always entertaining to see all of the various ways people decorate for the passing of any bike race.  I, myself, designed and painted 185 foot long mural on the time trial course of the 2015 UCI Road World Championships in my hometown of Richmond, VA.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2968097-77-235247/PaintingThe-First-to-Leave-G17-78.html

Giro Stage 18: Come On, Do a Bit of Work

First, it is truly amazing just how much stronger Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) is getting in the final days of the 98th Giro d'Italia.  Today, the Canadian chased down Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) as the man in the Maglia Rosa was trying to put as much time into his rivals as possible.  Near the summit of the Monte Olongo, the duo caught up to Davide Villella (Cannondale Garmin).  As the now trio headed down the other side of the mountain, Hesjedal was frustrated that Contador would not pull through and do a bit of the work.  Contador had less to gain, but should have been willing to assist the Cannondale Garmin boys.  Contador could stretch his lead and Hesjedal was looking to move up a couple of places on the GC.  With the pair sharing rivals, it seemed to Hesjedal that they should be allies for the day.

It was a nice touch that this debate took place as they sped pass race fans who had taken the time to festoon the road with pink balloons and hand made decorations.  The Giro often feels like a big pink rolling party.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com,  They are a lovely family run art supply business with some really fine products.  This painting is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2560834---184157/Painting.html#.VWfacM_BzGc