Amgen ToC, Stage 4: A Touch of Wheels

Bike racing is frequently a constant management of unexpected dangers.  Any second you could find yourself on the ground with seemingly no reason.  As one rider pulled off the side of the road, Magnus Cort (Astana) found himself on the ground from an apparent touch of wheels.  Rob Britton (Rally UHC Cycling) got his bike tangled up in the insuing crash.  The bike closes to him is his, yet yet he is graciously holding Cort's bike as the Dane gets himself sorted.

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%20of%20California/3332776-73-223355/A%20Touch%20of%20Wheels%20%20ToC19-18.html

Richmond 2015 UCI Worlds: It's Rough at the Back

With the technical nature of the road race course, it was unwise to hang out at the back of the peloton.  Due to the constant cornering or the three short step climbs, radical changes of speed were bound to lead to a touch of wheels and a tumble on the tarmac.  It was Miles Scotson (Australia) who caused the small pile up at the back of the pack.  Most riders like Fabian Lienhard (Swiss) remained upright it was one of the Romanians who joined the Aussie sitting on the road way.  Fortunately, everybody was able to get back underway.  With the wreck coming so early in the race, all were able to rejoin the peloton but at what cost?

This is an original small watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  These paintings are created live while watching the races through a feed provided by the Richmond 2015 Worlds organization.  For two more days, you will be able to watch me create the works live at the Fanfest area at 5th and Marshall Streets near the finish line.  You can also purchase either the originals or one of two different sizes of prints while you are there, or later at www.richmond.com.

Paris Nice Stage 1: A Touch of Wheels

Racing full out can be dangerous, however it is often the case that a slow pace can frequently be far worst.  Tom Boonen (Etixx-Quickstep) was tooling along at the back of the peloton when he caught the wheel of the rider just in front of him.  Whether a momentary loss of concentration or a sudden move by another rider, the result was Boonen hitting the ground hard.  Also the slow pace can make the contact with the ground much harder, speed will make a rider slide along thus reducing the impact.  Watching Boonen writhe in pain, it looked like he may have broken his collar bone, a common but no less devastating injury.  At the very least, it did mean that his 2015 Paris Nice race was over.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that 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 for only $50 USD.  International shipping is available.

If you are enjoying reading about cycling with this accompanying artwork be sure to check out my recently publish book on the Tour de France, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through most every online book sellers around the world, just google the title to learn where you can get your copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2522862---195767/Painting.html#.VP6B0vzF-xU

Paris-Nice Stage 4: Picking Up the Pieces

Stage 4 of Paris Nice had the usual share of wheel touches and corner wipe outs, fortunately without much injury.  When there is a group pile up, the riders quickly assess themselves, then jump up and check out their bikes.  They will get on the radio with their team cars and let them know what they need, which is what the FDJ (in blue) rider is doing, calling for front or back wheels perhaps even a new bike.  The gentleman in red in the middle of this painting is from one of the neutral services motorcycles there to help out riders from any team.  This is an original watercolor and ink painting created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steven Quiller brushes gotten through www.richesonart.com  In addition this, and all of the works on this blog, are available for purchase through my artist web site, www.greigleach.com.  Or for this piece you can just follow the direct link at the end of the post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2327067---195767/Painting.html#.UyEjoc_D_IU