Tour '24, Stage 14: The Stongman of the Tour

Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) had but seconds if not minutes into every other participant still in the Tour as he crossed the line atop the Pla d'Adet.  He can be excused his muscle builder hulk-like celebration as he crossed the line.  It is a bit amusing seeing one of the slight armed men of the pro-peloton acting as if they were possessing huge biceps.  Yet, it cannot be denied that he is without doubt proving to be the strongest man thus far in this edition of the Tour.  He must feel vindicated for the mere two seconds he conceded to the defending Tour champion having so markedly flipped the results today.

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.

"The Strongman of the Tour TdF24-84" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Flanders 2021: With Plenty of Time to Celebrate

With the four guys chasing him over a half of a minute behind, Julian Alaphilippe (France) had plenty of time to celebrate winning his second consecutive UCI Road World Championship.  The last to win two in a row was Peter Sagan (Slovakia) who managed three in a row from 2015-2017. Alaphilippe becomes only the fourth man to win two Rainbow Jerseys in a row in the 100 year history of the race.  Others have won two jerseys, but not consecutively.  I am hoping we will get to see Alaphilippe in the jersey next weekend in the fabled Paris-Roubaix.  And yes, I will be painting both the women’s race and the men’s starting this Saturday.  I suspect we will see newly minted rainbow stripes in both races.

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 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/Flanders-2021/3839020-34-292177/Painting/with-plenty-of-time-to-celebrate-uci21-34.html

TDF, Stage 4: You Can Turn Back Time

I amused myself with this title.  And now I have Cher's "If I Could Turn Back Time" stuck in my head.  But it is worth it just to see Cav take another stage in the Tour de France.  Apparently, Mark Cavendish's (Alpecin-Fenix) dress rehearsal in the intermediate was a good omen for the end of the stage.  Cav last one a stage in the Tour three years ago, and on this very finishing straight six years ago.  Chapeau to one of the good guys.  It was a treat to watch most of the peloton congratulate the new Maillot Vert as they came across the line (if they could fight their way through the press scrum surrounding the stage winner).  As in the intermediate sprint, it is Nacer Bouhanni (Arkea-Samsic) taking second with Michael Matthews (BikeExchange) in third.  Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) is still on the outside looking in, but he is there or there's about.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above.  Since ti is an original work of art, it is a first come first seved reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburth watercolors 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/2021-Tour-de-France/3820942-25-291436/Painting/you-can-turn-back-time-tdf21-25.html

Dauphine, Final Stage: When You Know, You Know

With one last peek over his shoulder just to make sure, Mark Padun (Bahrain-Victorious) had a whole kilometer to celebrate his second stage victory in a row.  He shook his fist in collaborative celebration with his team car behind as he build on his lead of over a minute and a half from the pursuing duo behind.  The group containing the Maillot Jaune was a just over two minutes back, so he had no worries about losing time waving to the crowd as he neared the final finish line of this Dauphine in Les Gets.  Chapeau!  While the stage was his, it was Richie Porte taking first in the race, with Alexey Lutsenko in second and Geraint Thomas taking the third step of the podium.

This is the last painting of the Dauphine.  While there are a race or two before the start of the Tour de France, that is the race I will be painitng next.  So be sure to come back and see all of the artwork of the 2021 Tour and La Course.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above.  Since ti is an original work of art, it is a first come first seved reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburth watercolors from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

Tour, Stage 3: According to Plan

Every athlete, everyone plans on how they will achieve a goal.  Few rarely execute that plan as brilliantly as Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick Step) did today.  The Frenchman took the first stage that ended the day in France, and did so in a solo run into Epernay.  With the amount of time he took out of the rest of the peloton, he will also be the first Frenchman to wear the Maillot Juane in the 2019 Tour de France.  He is also the only Frenchman to win a stage thus far.  Alaphilippe was considered the odds on favorite for the stage, but as we have already learn in the first two stages of this Tour, that doesn't mean much.  Today, it did!

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%20de%20France%202019/3357662-16-263530/According%20to%20Plan%20%20TDF19-16.html

Tour of Britain, Stage 5: With Inches to Spare

So... the formula works, but it didn't work for Amael Moinard (BMC).  He was caught again by three of his four original break away companions inside of the final kilometer.  It was Javier Moreno (Movistar) who launched first, but Jack Bauer (Cannondale-Drapac) who raised his arms in victory at the line in the resort of Bath.  I was wondering if the peloton would get to "take the waters" before resuming the race tomorrow.  Moinard was able to hold on for second on the stage, with Erick Rowsell (Madison Genesis) rounding out the peloton.  All four finished inches ahead of the charging peloton lead home by the Australian sprinter,  Caleb Ewan (Orica-BikeExchange).  If the race had been another 100 meters, I doubt that the break away would have succeed, it was just that close, just as the formula predicted.

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849200-62-189075/PaintingWith%20Inches%20to%20Spare%20ToB36-Greig-Leach.html#.V9H9yZgrLIU

Donostia Classica: Celebration

Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo) held everyone off all of the way to the line.  I wasn't happy with the camera angles provided at the finish, so I waited for something better.  I felt that Mollema hugging one of his teammates once he got over the line as well, capture the joy of the Dutchman.  Mollema had been riding a great Tour de France, until the final luck when a combination of bad luck and a sore body that dropped him to eleventh overall.  Chapeau!

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, just follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2830795-327-195767/PaintingCelebration%20Dono9-Greig-Leach.html#.V52Oa7grLIU

Tour, Final Stage: Beer Thirty

As I said in the previous post, I have worked in theatre off and on for years.  One of the traditions for the theatrical crews is "beer thirty" and as a designer I have supplied the beer to the crew that made me look good, that made me succeed.  I was delighted to see that Chris Froome (Sky) omitted the traditional champagne, and pass bottles of beer around to his "crew" who without them he would not be wearing the Maillot Jaune.  By toasting the team with beer Froome underscored that he raced this Tour in an unpredictable manner gaining the Yellow Jersey by doing the unexpected.

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%202016/2828438-156-224974/PaintingBeer%20Thirty%20TdF157-Greig-Leach.html#.V5U1LbgrLIU

Tour, Stage 5: Starting the Party Early

With roughly six minutes in hand over the peloton, Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) and his team director had plenty of time to savor their collective moment.  Van Avermaet put over five minutes between himself and the former top of the leader board.  At this point, the man in second, Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx-Quickstep), while he started the day in the same GC position, it was then only a difference of 10 seconds to the former Yellow Jersey of Peter Sagan (Tinkoff).  Those who hope to wear the Maillot Jaune on the Champs Elysees, will have a much tougher time of taking the lead from Van Avermaet than he had grabbing the jersey for himself.  Most of the contenders came home together with the notable exception of Alberto Contador (Tinkoff) who is apparently in a lot more pain from his early crash then he is letting anyone know.

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%202016/2819917-34-224974/PaintingStarting%20the%20Party%20Early%20TdF34-Greig-Leach.html#.V32WJrgrLIU

Tour of California, Stage 5: With Aplomb

Roughly a year ago, Toms Skujins (Cannondale), then riding for Hincapie Racing, went for a long solo break in a stage of the Amgen Tour of California and claimed victory on the day.  This year he did have two men with him when he was within site of the finish line, but the result was still the same.  Once he knew he had the better of Adam De Vos (Rally Cycling), he spread his arms and legs wide absorbing the cool winds off of the lake and the warm applause of the crowd.  With Skujins victory the Argyle boys have to stages to their credit and a day in Yellow, not a bad outing for the home team.

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.  This painting and all of my cycling artwork is available, along with my two cycling books (one on the 2014 Tour de France and the other on the 2015 UCI Road World World Championships) on my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.  But don't delay, since it is an original work of art, once it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20California/2793515-26-223355/Painting.html#.Vz6c8_mDGko

Giro Stage 11: Flying Home

Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha) pulled a brilliant late stage solo attack to take the victory on the Autodromo Ferrari finishing straight away.  Zakarin had been a member of the early breakaway, but saw his chance to go on his own with a lap and a half to go to the line.  That does make two stages in a row where a member of the early break has taken the victory at the end of the stage.  The title is derived from both his outstretched arms as he crossed the line, but more importantly, his daredevil descent from the penultimate climb of the day, a descent where he figuratively flew down the categorized climb.

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, www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting is available for purchase for only $50 USD through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But to hurry, this is a one of a kind painting and when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2557450---184157/Painting.html#.VV1YU_lViko

Giro Stage 5: Thank Heaven!

Jens Voigt has been asked why he would always get into a break away when they have such a slim chance of succeeding.  His response is almost as well know as his mantra, "Shut Up Legs."  He answered, "If you go in the break you have maybe a 10% chance of winning, if you don't, you have a 0% chance."  Today, it was Jan Polanc (Lampre Merida) who took the chance and beat the odds.  His celebration seemed to show both disbelief and pure joy.  The celebration was watched with a rather dispassionate gaze from the race director standing through the roof as Polanc crossed the summit to claim victory in a stage of the Giro.

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, www.richesonart.com.  They are a small family run art supply company located in the upper midwest of the United States.  This painting is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com for only $50 USD.  And yes, international shipping is available.  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/2553668---184157/Painting.html#.VVQGyiFViko

Paris Roubaix: A Joyful Finish

What happened in the bell lap was what everyone of the riders (except Degenkolb) feared, the strongest sprinter took the sprint out of the six men who contested for the line.  So it was the John Degenkolb (Giant Alpecin) threw his arms in a joyful victory salute, moving one step up the podium from 2014.  Zdenek Stybar (Etixx Quickstep) managed to just hold off Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) to grab second place with the Belgium claim the third step of the podium.  Rounding out this group is Martin Elmiger (IAM Cycling), Lars Boom (Astana) and Jens Keukeleire (Orica GreenEdge).  Just finishing this race is a victory, but winning it can make a career.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular watercolor just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  International shipping is available.

If you are enjoying reading about Paris Roubaix with the accompanying artwork, be sure to search out my recently published, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France".  It can be found through most every online bookseller around the world.  Google the title to discover where you can get a copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2541216---195767/Painting.html#.VSsVZPnF-xU

Tour Down Under Stage 1: Punching the Air

It was Jack Bobridge (UniSA-Australia) who managed to get the jump on his breakaway companions using a small little rise to launch his attack almost in the shadow of the sprint trains of the peloton.  With his win at the line, taking the first intermediate sprint and being the first over the only climb of the day, he will be pulling on at least three leader's jerseys on the podium this evening.  But it will be the Ochre Jersey of race leader on his back at the starting line for Stage 2 of the Tour Down Under.  Not bad for the hometown boy.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available for purchase (only $50 USD) 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 the artwork on this blog (and the writings too) please check out my new book, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France"  You can find the book through most online stores throughout the world, just google the title to learn where you can get your copy.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20Down%20Under%202014/2499424---194179/Painting.html#.VL8PTk05DIU

US Pro Challenge Stage 4: A Perfect Sprint

Nothing is given in the professional peloton, no prizes for a retiring warrior, just hard fast racing in every stage of every race.  Despite all of his effort and the will of nearly every sportscaster, cyclist, racing fan and German, Jens Voigt (Trek) was caught with just 750 meters left to the finish line by the men that wanted to get their sprinter first across the line.  Cannondale had been doing quite a bit of work at the front of the peloton all day to keep the break away in check and had done a heroic effort to catch Voigt by the final kilometer.  Elia Viviani (Cannondale) seemed too far back to be a factor at the outset of the sprint, but then found the wheel of the Hincapie Sportswear man and waited for the right moment to bounce.  Viviani had raced well in the early season, so it was a pleasure to see his excitement with this victory.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this 4"x6" painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post. 

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/US%20Pro%20Challenge%202014/2423514---201508/Painting.html#.U_e8Qc_D_IU

Dauphine Stage 6: Joy & Sorrow

Lieuwe Westra (Astana) and Jan Bakelants (OPQS) got rid of their third fellow attacker, Pim Ligthart (Lotto-Belisol) so that they could get the stage win they were both so desperately seeking.  At about 1.2 K left to go the pair came to a virtual stand still, a track stand, each trying to get the other to make the first move.  It is much easier to win from the pack of the group than from the front.  From the back you have the element of surprise.  As to prove the point, Westra went first after the track stand, and Bakelants was able to get around him in the end to claim victory in Poisy, leaving Westra to clinch his fist in frustration.  This is an original small watercolor and ink painting (4"x6') that could be yours through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Dauphine%202014/2388056---199476/Painting.html#.U6OrRs_D_IU

Giro d'Italia Stage 19: All But Secured

Nairo Quintana (Movistar) could have just checked his time splits against Rigoberto Uran (OPQS) and made sure he didn't lose too many seconds and still be in Pink at the end of the day.  But then most athletes can't do that, it is in their blood to win if at all possible.  So instead of playing it safe, Quintana laid down the best time taking the stage win and adding over a minute to his lead over Uran, all but insuring his holding the Maglia Rosa on the final day.  There was great joy at the finish line and a big hug through the Movistar team car window from his Director Sportif.  I can imagine him saying, "That was beautiful, this race is all yours!"  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d'Italia%202014/2372988---198213/Painting.html#.U4lWOsvD_IU