Tour de France 23, Stage 17, Winning a Hard One

Felix Gall (Ag2r-Citroen) had the legs to hold off a fast closing chase by the remnants of the peloton along with his former break away companions.  He had been paced up the climb by his team leader, Ben O'Connor, who gave every ounce of energy he had to give to get Gall up the road alone.  Gall paid back the effort with a victory for the team on the highest climb of the Tour.  And it was the hardest stage of the Tour to boot.  Chapeau!

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 $95 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3966386-119-297438/Painting/winning-a-hard-one-tdf23-119.html

 

Fleche Wallonne 23, Women’s Race: Queen of Mur de Huy

She may have attacked too soon on the final climb of Fleche Wallonne, but it can’t be denied that Demi Vollering (SD Worx) had the legs to get to the top all alone.  After looking back to make sure no one was closing on her (it has happened  to some whom celebrated too soon) she began her celebrations a good 25 meters from the line.  I was struck by her simple act of removing her sunglasses, part in glee, and part to make sure we saw her face in all of the photos shot as she crossed the line alone.  She becomes only the 11th woman to win the now 23 year old Fleche Wallonne Femmes.  Chapeau!

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-/3946458-542-195767/Painting/queen-of-mur-de-huy-fwf23-6.html

Tour '22, Stage 14: I Knew

When Michael Mathews (BikeExchange-Jayco) attacked the break with 51 kilometers the commentators on NBC Sports thought it was a fool's errand.  It was far to long to go solo and all were sure he wouldn't be able to stay away on the final climb up to the airfield above Mende.  He was passed by Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost) on the climb, but once it level off towards the top, Mathews was able to get back on.  He opened up a gap on the short downhill before turning onto the air strip for the finish.  He ended the day putting fifteen seconds into Bettiol by the time they had both finished the stage.  He knew he could do it.

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, and yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3894005-88-294403/Painting/i-knew-tdf22-89.html