Tour Stage 7: They Are Coming

Today's long stage brought the peloton and the leading break away that much closer to the high alpine passes that but fear into the hearts of use mere mortal cyclists.  The early break of six riders were not given much of a leash by Peter Sagan's Cannondale boys.  Cannondale looked over the race profile and felt that their climbing sprinter had what it would take to distance Greipel and Kittel on the final climbs and be the one to throw his arms in the air in Nancy.  The six men in the break, including these three Martin Elmiger (IAM Cycling and new Swiss National Champion), Nicolas Edet (Cofidis) and the young American, Matthew Busche (Trek Factory Racing).  The group is being shown the gap between them and the Cannondale led peloton, in the old school method of a piece of chalk and slateboard.  With all of the riders riding with radio earpieces taped to their ears, it seems a little redundant, but this is a sport full of traditions that die hard.  This is an original small watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  This painting and all of my art of the 2014 Tour de France will be included in my soon to be self published book, "Book de Tour".  To learn more about the book project, to pre-order your copy, and to become part of bringing this Tour to print visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour.  There are some really great incentives at a wide variety of backer levels starting for as little as $5 USD.  If you would like to purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202014/2400810---199992/Painting.html#.U8A4S8_D_IU