Tour '25, Stage 20: Airbourne

The Devil almost missed the breakaway going pass him.  He was performing his signature leap in the air for the press photographer and was more focused on getting back up in the air like he did of yore, than watching for the racers.  I was surprised that no one in the break seemed to bay Didi Stenft any mind.  Jake Stewart (Israel-Premier Tech) was on the tail of the bunch (for now) that was being led by Ivan Romeo (Movistar).  In the middle of the eleven-man group you can spy the American Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike).  Although Jordan Jegat had tried and failed to get away, he did pull out a much stronger and more manageable group to ride to a hopeful stage victory.  One small problem, Ben Healy is seventeen seconds up the road on his own.

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.  

"Airbourne TdF25-134" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Criterium du Dauphine '25, Stage 7: Flying Off the Croix de Fer

The early breakaway of about eight guys went over the top of the Croix de Fer with just about ten seconds over the greatly reduced peloton containing all of the top men in the general classification.  After sprinting to fourth over the top of the second climb of the day, he went on the offensive.  He is a very skilled descender and used that skill to his advantage.  By the time he reached the valley below, he had over a minute on the chasers that were a combination of the break and the peloton.  Clearly, he saw his opportunity to try once again for a stage victory.

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.

"Flying Off the Croix de Fer CdD25-36" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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 2022: He Is Gone!

It was an incredible move that got Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) off the front.  But it was some amazingly strong legs and determination that had him opening a gap on the break and the peloton all on his own.  The young American has already won two races with just this kind of effort this year.  It was certainly looking like he was going to do it again today.  As he swept through this turn on the way to the summit of the Col de la Mure he was photographed by one of the many press photographers darting around the race on the back of motorcycles.  While this guy is squatting on the inside of the turn, you can tell by his helmet that he has just jumped off the bike to get this shot.  I'm guess he may stay there to shoot those trying to get back on terms with McNulty.

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/Paris-Nice/3871508-60-272742/Painting/he-is-gone-pn22-23.html

Tour, Stage 15: First Down, First to Go Up

Michael Gogl (NTT) was the one rider who was able to bridge up to the trio that went away on the previous mountain.  However, he proved to be far superior to the descending skills of every body else.  So he was the first down the MOtee de la Selle Fromentel, and used that advantage to hold everyone off on the way up the Cote de la Biche.  I am impressed with the race photographers that hang of the motorcycles, or rush ahead to pick a site that would make a nice shot of the race.

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-2020/3700458-99-282744/Painting/first-down-first-to-go-up-tdf20-93.html

Tour, Stage 2: The Devil Wears a Mask

For as long as I have been watching the Tour (and that is decades, almost half a century) I have always enjoyed seeing Didi Senft leaping in the air bedecked as the Devil.  I am in awe of his energy, and his commitment to the cause, as it were.  He can always be found ahead of the big climbs perhaps as a warning to the hell the riders are about to go through.  Today, I caught him leaping for one of the race photographers as the peloton rode by.  UAE-Team Emirates was doing the work of pacing the peloton.  It is considered the responsiblity of the team with the Maillot Jaune to do the work on the front.  It is unlikely Alexander Kristoff will have Yellow after this climbing stage, but traditions must be kept.

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.

This original has sold, but prints are available at the link below.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France-2020/3687316-13-282744/Painting/the-devil-wears-a-mask-tdf20-7.html

Paris Nice, Stage 3: Covering the Peloton

The best way to get the images of the race that we all enjoy is to be in the middle of the race on the back of a motorcycle.  Here as the peloton spreads across the narrow road, a photographer turns around to shoot the group as they chase down the lone escapee.  I have seen this particular helmet over the years shooting races.  Does anyone know who wears a red helmet with a white stripe and a white star?  The drivers must be very skilled to stay out of the way of the race and counter balance the squirming photographers and videographers that are their charges.

I once tried to see if I could paint the races this way.  Silly I know, but it would have been cool.  But the weather of this race thus far would have made it impossible let alone the infeasiblitly of painting on a moving motorcycle on back country roads.

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/Paris-Nice/3488946-12-272742/Painting/covering-the-peloton-pn20-12.html

Tour, Stage 19: Trying to Help

With the rain starting to fall on the Tour again, the roads were going to be very slick.  The arrival of the rain couldn't have been more poorly timed.  Just as the leaders started down the back side of the Montee de Bisanne the rains turned the newly surfaced sections of road way into what felt like an ice rink.  Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida) went first and then was joined by Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Drapac).  Rolland had a hard crash early in the Tour.  He was just coming back into form in the last two days.  So it was particularly sad to see him lose both wheels on a sharp corner on the descent.  After hitting the road hard, he slid about twenty feet across the asphalt and then into the gravel and dirt on the side of the road.  A photographer jumped out of the way and then checked on the leader of Cannondale-Drapac, before backing away to get the shot.  Fans quickly came to their countryman's aide.  Rolland got up, got back on his bike and road on towards the final climb of the day.  I should note that he finished the stage and as of this evening, he is still in the Tour.   If a racer does not finish a stage, they can not start the next day.  Their Tour is over.  So these hard men on two wheels are very reluctant to not get up and going again.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  While you are on the site, be sure to check out my other works of art and my two cycling books.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Bear in mind that this is a one of a kind original and once it is gone, it is gone.

Be sure to check out my second cycling art book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships, available online or through your local book seller.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2827770-139-224974/PaintingTrying%20to%20Help%20TdF140-Greig-Leach.html#.V5K7vLgrLIU

Tour, Stage 9: Not Amused!

There have been countless incidents with vehicles both motorcycles and cars versus the peloton, or riders while out training.  The most serious of which was between a motorcycle and Antonie Demoitie (IAM Cycling) that resulted in the death of the professional cyclist.  Much has been said about how to fix the problem but little has been done.  Part of the problem arises with narrow and challenging European roads, TV and press photographers trying to cover the race, and way too many paying (or not) VIPs getting a look at the race close up.

As Jesus Herrada (Movistar) was just catching back up to his break away companions when one of the motos carrying a photographer decided it was the time to get a different angle on the race.  The moto took the line that should have been left for the struggling cyclist.  Herrada was justifiable pissed that he had to break his rhythm to avoid a crash.  He gave the equivalent of the bird to the driver, who sheepishly tried to avoid eye contact, or being around the aggrieved Spaniard.  He did rejoin the group and he stayed upright.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  While you are on the site, be sure to check out my other works of art and my two cycling books.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Bear in mind that this is a one of a kind original and once it is gone, it is gone.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2822182-61-224974/PaintingNot%20Amused!%20TdF61-Greig-Leach.html#.V4LyabgrLIU

Tour de France Stage 3: What the Hell?

I am sure that the phrase, "What the Hell?" was said in any number of different languages today.  Christian Prudhomme, in the interest of safety, stopped the race to let those who crashed and the medical personnel who had attended them catch back up to the peloton.  The stoppage was a bit disorganized with several starts and stops before it was all said and done.  Plus the choice was made to stop everyone at the bottom of the first categorized climb of this year's Tour.  It was one of those situations that everyone would have an opinion about.  Danilo Wyss (BMC) took the opportunity to voice his opinion to any who would listen, while Nairo Quintana (Movistar) remained his impassive self while sucking down an extra water bottle.  It is safe to assume that this unusual action will be discussed all over the internet tonight and will be the subject of many barroom arguments for years to come.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company, a family run art supply company with incredible products for all sorts of artistic endeavors.  Their website is www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But don't delay, since it is an original there is only one of these paintings available and you wouldn't want to miss your opportunity to have a piece of art from the 102nd Tour de France.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2577154---210122/Painting.html#.VZtybvlViko

Tour Stage 13: Hoping to Recover

Vincenzo Nibali (Astana), the TV announcers, Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen, the remaining peloton and me were all surprised and confused when Richie Porte (Team Sky) suddenly lost contact with the group.  He went to his radio to talk to the team car and Mikel Nieve (Team Sky) dropped back with him.  Nieve was there to pace the Sky leader up the climb, hoping he would recover as quickly as he hit the wall.  Porte started losing big chunks of time right away and was probably going to be almost as out of contention as Chris Froome or Alberto Contador (both of whom had already gone home).  Naturally, the Photo Moto dropped back with Porte trying to get the shot that told the story of yet another deviation from the script of the 101st Tour de France.  For the previous two years, we have gotten use to seeing the black kit with the wide blue stripe of Team Sky controlling the peloton with the Yellow Jersey at the back of the line.  Will it be the turquoise of Astana instead for this edition of the Tour?  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com and will be included in my soon to be self published book of the 101st Tour de France art, "Book de Tour."  To learn more about the book project, to pre-order a copy, or to discover how you can be a part of bringing the art of the sport we love to print, please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour.  There are some excellent incentives for backers at every level starting at $5 USD.  Everyone who backs the project will have their name included in the special thanks page.  If you would like to purchase this painting directly, just follow the link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202014/2404836---199992/Painting.html#.U8nH-8_D_IU

Tour Stage 5: Heartbreak

Winning the Tour de France take talent, conditioning, training, a great team, an unwavering desire and a good deal of luck.  Luck is something that has apparently run out for the defending Champion of the 2013 Tour de France.  When Chris Froome (Team Sky) hit the hard road for the second time today, you could see he was hurting.  While he got right back onto his feet, the way he was holding himself while he waited for yet another bike change gave a hint to what was about to happen.  Once the team car arrived and his mechanic handed him another two-wheeled steed, it was his assistant director that put his arm around the Kenyan born team leader and comforted the aching and heartbroken Froome.  Just a few moments after I painted this, Froome handed back his bike and climbed into Sky's second team car, retiring from the 101st Tour de France before his front wheel even touched a chunk of cobblestone.  This is a small original  watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website.  It will be included in my soon to be self published tome, "Book de Tour".  To learn more about the book project, or pre-order your copy, and to learn how you can get involved in bringing the 101st Tour de France to print visit If you like that, check out my "Book de Tour" project. Please share it if you like it. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour  If you would like to purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202014/2399248---199992/Painting.html#.U72s9MvD_IU

Tour Stage 4: At Any Moment

At any moment in the Tour de France (or any other bike race) the whole thing can come to an end for most any rider.  Fortunately, the touch of wheels that left Chris Froome landing hard on the asphalt did nothing more than grate off some fabric and a good bit of skin.  Froome was riding near the very front of a slow moving peloton, when a chain reaction of swerving bikes clipped his front wheel.  Often when a rider loses his front wheel, it is often his own fault, but not this case.  The Sky leader was left with no where to go but down.  He was quickly joined by his teammate David Lopez, shortly afterwards his mechanic appeared with another bike and a push to get him down the road.  I always find the photographers a bit ghoulish when they start photographing a writhing cyclist, but it is all part of the story of the Tour.  This is an original small watercolor and ink painting that  is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com and will appear in my soon to be self published tome on the 2014 Tour de France, "Book de Tour".  To learn more about the book project, to pre-order your copy, or to get involved in bringing the 101st Tour de France to print please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour  If you would like to purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202014/2398328---199992/Painting.html#.U7xcSM_D_IU

Giro d'Italia Stage 14: Pretty as a Picture

Virtually all of the video and still photography in the Giro d'Italia is shot from the back of motorcycles that ride along with the peloton or up front with the breaks, covering all of the action as it happens.  Here one of the still photographers is getting a shot of Alessandro Petacchi (OPQS) and his Omega Pharma Quickstep teammates ride tempo for their team leader and wearer of the Maglia Rosa, Rigoberto Uran.  With no possibility of a sprint in the day's stage, it is up to the team of the race leader to ride on the front and give chase to whomever threatens their man's lead.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that measures 4 inches by 6 inches and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting, in fact all of my cycling art, is available for purchase at my artist website, www.greigleach.com.  For this painting you can follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But while you are there, why not take the time to browse all of the artwork that is on offer.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d'Italia%202014/2369366---198213/Painting.html#.U4F-rc_D_IU