Tour Stage 17: A Flash of Temper

Every man racing in the Tour de France is at the very limit of their physical abilities, frequently frustrated that they can get more out of their bodies, upset with a piece of bad luck, or angry with misbehaving fans along the road.  Luke Durbridge (Orica GreenEdge) lost it when, not a fan, but a soigneur for Movistar, got in the way on the climb up the Col de Portillon.  The Movistar man knocked Durbridge to the ground (we will assume by accident).  With so much effort to get up the climb after a fast run to the bottom with speeds averaging 32 miles per hour, Durbridge snapped and once he regained his feet, shoved the Movistar helper to the ground.  It may not have been the mature thing to do, but I am sure it made him feel better.  Sort of a "there how does that feel" knee jerk reaction.  To his credit, the soigneur helped get  Durbridge back on his bike and gave him a push to get rolling again.  Ultimately, it will be a no harm no foul kind of a moment.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  This painting and all of my art of the 101st Tour de France will be included in my soon to be self published, "Book de Tour."  To learn more about the book project, to pre-order your copy, or to discover how you can become a part of bringing this exceptional Tour de France to print, please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour.  There are some excellent Backer rewards for those who choose to pledge their support to the book.  Rewards start at just $5 USD and $25 will included a printed postcard, an artist signed copy of "Book de Tour" and a small pin back button cyclist drawing.  Any pledge amount will get your name printed on the special thanks page of the book.  If you would like to purchase this painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But don't you want a book with all of the artwork in it?  Sure you do!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202014/2407320---199992/Painting.html#.U9Bwa8_D_IU