Tour '25, Stage 14: King of the Clouds

Lenny Martinez (Bahrain-Victorious) started the day wearing the Maillot a Pois on loan from Tadej Pogacar who was busy wearing the Maillot Jaune.  When he went over the Col du Tourmalet ahead of the entire peloton by almost two minutes he took the virtual lead in the race for Polka Dots.  He will need to amass more points in the coming climbs to forestall Pogacar earning enough points by the end of the day to take the jersey back, again.  The top of the Tourmalet, and every other climb today, was shrouded in heavy cloud.  It was also the chilliest it has been thus far in the Tour.  Everyone was grabbing rain jackets for the fast wet descent back down the other side of the col.  Far superior to the old school method of taking newspapers from fans and sticking them down the front of their jerseys.  That being said, we did catch sight of Alaphilippe grabbing a cardboard sign from a fan, tearing it into the right size and sticking it down his front.  I guess his team support was nowhere to be found.

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.

"King of the Clouds TdF25-89" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Nice Final Stage: Climbing Into Yellow

Richie Porte (Team Sky) resplendent in his National kit of the Australian Time Trial Champion started the day in second overall hoping to make up over 30 seconds on the Lotto Soudal Frenchman, Tony Gallopin.  Porte was confident he could get into the final Maillot Jaune having scaled the final road stage climb 25 seconds faster than his adversary.  Like his teammate, Geraint Thomas, Porte fell hard on the descent off of that mountain but was fortunate to jump back up uninjured.  Obviously as indicated by the spectators in serious rain gear, it wasn't the best conditions to race in, but Porte could take comfort knowing that today's climb would not be followed by a descent.  Porte's ride was enough to condition the recent tradition of whomever wins this time trial also wins the Race to the Sun.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting, along with all of my art of the 72nd Paris Nice, is 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.  If you are enjoying reading about bike races with the accompanying artwork please be sure to check out my recently published, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller around the world.  Just google the title to find out where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525984---195767/Painting.html#.VQXPUo7F-xU