Tour '25, Stage 18: Nope

With just a few kilometers left to climb Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) tried once more to drop the Maillot Jaune on the shoulders of Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates).  As he looked back to see his progress, he looked right into the face of his rival who still has over four minutes advantage on him.  The only one able to go with these incessant attacks was Oscar Onley (Picnic-PostNL).  He was hoping to put enough time between himself and the other young man just ahead of him in the race for the Maillot Blanc.  Of course, inside the flame rouge marking the final kilometer, Tadej finally countered.  He opened up a gap and managed to take nine seconds and a six second bonus at the stop of the Col de la Loze.  Vingegaard took third and a smaller time bonus.  While gapped, Onley claimed fourth but not enough time to take the Maillot Blanc of best young rider.  I am now convinced it would take a miracle or something truly bad for Vingegaard to win his third Tour.  I am not wishing for that... really, I am not.  It is now just on Pogacar to finish the Tour without mishap and he will win his fourth Tour of his career.  

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. 

"Nope TdF25-124" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 16: Stuck Together

Try as he might, Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) couldn't shake Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) on the ascent of Mont Ventoux.  Conversely, Pogacar couldn't shake Vingegaard, either.  The two had already gone by the Danish fan corner who cheered wildly for Vingegaard, now it was a few less Slovenian fans waving their country's flag in support of Pogacar.  The Maillot Jaune couldn't drop his main rival, but then he didn't need to.  He did out sprint him to the line grabbing about two more seconds.  He doesn't need any time, but two seconds are better than losing any time either.  Vingegaard now just as two mountain top finishes to try and reverse any of his disadvantage to the defending Tour Champion.

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.

"Stuck Together TdF25-109" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 10: What Will Happen?

That was the question on everyone's mind as Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) and Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) as they approached the final kilometer of the climb.  Of course, it was Ben Healy who was most interested in how these two decided to race the final meters up the Puy de Sancy.  If one attacks the other, they will most likely get to the line in time for Pogacar to keep yellow.  If they don't, the jersey will change shoulders again.  Shortly after I painted this they were joined by Lenny Martinez.  I think we learned why Vingegaard nor Pogacar hadn't attacked on either of the final climbs, neither had enough left to sustain an attack.  And because of that, Ben Healy of EF Education-EasyPost, will wear the Maillot Jaune when racing resumes on Wednesday.

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. 

"What Will Happen? TdF25-66" (Original art by Greig Leach)

This painting has sold!