Tour '25, Stage 18: Most Aggressive

Despite still having another six kilometers to climb to the summit of the Col de la Loze Ben O'Connor (Jayco-Alula) was awarded the title of most aggressive rider for stage 18.  With a minute and a half over his former companion on the climb and another three-and-a-quarter-minutes to the yellow jersey he was on his way to a stage win as well.  He got there first, winning the first Tour stage for his new team and his first in two years.   As rain fell off and on on the summit, E. Leclerc switched from passing out polka dot t-shirts to a much more useful polka dot rain poncho.  I am so happy the O'Connor is another guy who was able to turn his Tour de France around today!  Normally, there would be a painting of the stage winner with his arms aloft, but somehow France TV who provides all of the race footage wasn't able to get their cameras in the right place to get the shot as he crossed the line.

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. 

"Most Aggressive TdF25-123" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Nice '25, Stage 3: The Best Two with the Best Time

The last two riders for Visma-Lease a Bike were arguably their two best guys.  It was Matteo Jorgenson leading Jonas Vingegaard across the line in Nevers to post the best time when they finished their Team Time Trial.  Their effort put them into first and second place respectively.  So, after three days Jorgenson will pull on the Maillot Jaune that he is defending from 2024.  It also shows that the duo should be ready for the challenge of this year's Tour de France.  I'm looking forward to see what they can do in the next two mountain top finishes in the ensuing stages.

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 Best Two with the Best Time PN25-11" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Happily, this painting has sold!

Volta ao Algrave '25, Stage 2: Look at this Guy!"

With less than a kilometer to go to the summit finish at Alto de Foia, Jan Cristen (UAE Team Emirates) attacked his erstwhile breakaway companions.  It looked like he would have enough of a gap to claim the stage when his teammate/team leader, Joao Almeida bridged up to him within sight of the line.  Almeida looked back to make sure his GC rivals were far enough back to ensure he would gain time over them.  He then gestured his congratulations to his teammate who claimed the stage, and the first leader's jersey of the 51st Volta ao Algrave.  Now there is a way to pay back one of the guys who rides in support of you!

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.

"Look at this Guy! VA25-7" (Original art by Greig Leach)