cycling art, Women's race Tour de Yorkshire

Crowds by the Cherry Tree – Women’s Tour of Yorkshire

Hello! It’s been a bit hectic the past week or so with Open Studios and other bits and pieces, so I’m still working through some highlights from the remaining stages of this year’s Tour de Yorkshire.

This piece was from the Women’s race, on the final stage – showing the crowds waving the peloton by. This scene stood out because of the view from the back which I like to draw but also because they were riding past the most beautiful cherry tree in full bloom.

There were many such trees along the route proving that the timing of the race couldn’t be better visually; such lovely time of year and great colour!

Crowds by the cherry tree

ALL IMAGES COPYRIGHT MAXINE DODD

Don’t forget to catch up with full analysis of the racing on www.velovoices.com

Tour de Yorkshire: Stage 2 – Barnsley to Bedale – Mens

Hello! This is a summary of Stage 2, as I have more pictures to make from this absorbing second stage but I hope you enjoy it. The second day’s racing was really exciting, the women set the bar high in the morning and the men followed up in the afternoon.

Front Pack

The conditions improved a little for the men but still pretty wet and cold with plenty of obstacles on the road to avoid. Still the colour and spectacle was great to see with plenty of fans out to wave them on.

Wiinding road, long way up

The sprint for the line was won by Rick Zabel of Katusha – He burst through with tremendous strength – I loved his expression and his team mate punching the air behind him – which I’ve shown here.

Great win for Zabel

The third day promises to be fabulous because we have both races following the coast road – See you at the seaside!

ALL IMAGES COPYRIGHT MAXINE DODD

Don’t forget to catch up with full analysis of the racing on www.velovoices.com

Tour de Yorkshire – Women’s race: Stage 1 – Doncaster to Selby – Drawing live

Hello! The Women’s race got underway in Barnsley on another cold and wet day. These drawings were made in real time, which I prefer – No hanging about!

cycling art, Womens Tour of Yorkshire, Barnsley

Départ fictif – Barnsley in the rain!

The race has attracted some of the World’s best riders, including Word Champions and Olympians, reinforcing the reputation of this race.

Rain cape – Barnsley

Lizzie Banks from Sheffield made a very strong start, securing Queen of the Mountains and eventually forming a breakaway partnership with Leah Dixon.

Banks and Dixon sharing the breakaway

Later, the two became six before the final push to the finish in Bedale.

Willows, rhododendrons and white roses

The final push saw a phenomenal finish by Lorena Wiebes – she broke away so fast to cross the line. Very impressive!

Storming home!

ALL IMAGES COPYRIGHT MAXINE DODD

Don’t forget to catch up with full analysis of the racing on www.velovoices.com

Tour de Yorkshire: Stage 1 – Doncaster to Selby

Hello! Well, the forecast came true – the opening stage of this year’s race was mostly very, very wet!

Spring greens

Still the colour shone out and people came out to encourage and support the riders. It’s always a remarkable sight.

Tour de Yorkshire,Wet, Wet, Wet

Gorgeous scenery

People had been busy with their decorations – bunting a-plenty!

Pouring! Bunting and umbrellas!

In the race itself, British rider Jacob Hennessy made a good start, taking the King of the Mountains jersey, while Mark Cavendish looked well after his recent illness and finished eigth. Chris Froome made a more discreet opening, finishing in the pack.

The stage win came brilliantly for Dutchman Jesper Asselman, who, suitably for the conditions, stormed past everyone, gathering a Yorkshire flag on the way. The expression on his face was amazing – such a great effort – which I’ve tried to capture here. With apologies to Bob Dylan for the adapted title, but it was crying out!

Tangled up with blue

On Friday, the Women’s race starts as well as the men’s, so an absorbing day to come!

ALL IMAGES COPYRIGHT MAXINE DODD

Don’t forget to catch up with full analysis of the racing on www.velovoices.com

Getting ready…

Hello! It’s been a busy Spring time and a bit of a strange one – In the UK we had a heatwave in February, the warmest Easter on record and now we look forward to frosts and possibly snow at the start of May. It is the UK though, so we know to expect the unexpected.

cycling, Kuurne Brussels Kuurne — Kuurne Brussels Kuurne – Spring Classic

Speaking personally, it’s been a time of transition and reflection – I have recently had the urge to paint again – alongside working with favourite pens and watercolour. It’s a much slower process but very good. More on that to come in future posts…but it’s exciting!

cycling, Het Niewsblat — Het Niewsblat – Spring Orange

The cycling season began in January and the Spring Classics are all but over, ready for the Grand Tours… I have tried a few new races (to me!) – the Het Niewsblat and Kuurne Brussels Kuurne featured here.

First on the pavés, cycling art — First on the pavés

There is a lovely event that straddles the two, bringing one season to a close and looking forward to the next and that is the Tour de Yorkshire. Now in its fifth year, this race has a firm place on the UK’s sporting calendar.

Cycling art, Tour de France, watercolour pen and ink painting, Yellow bike of Yorkshire by Maxine Dodd — Yellow bike of Yorkshire

The race takes place over four days covering all parts of the county with its dramatic countryside and coastline – rugged and beautiful.

A fine Yorkshire day, by Maxine Dodd — A fine Yorkshire day

So, I’m looking forward to this race, starting again and trying something new – Have a wonderful Spring Bank Holiday and if you are out on your bike – wrap up warm, it’s May! 🙂

Maxine Dodd

Racing lines

British countryside

Crowds by the Cherry Tree – Women’s Tour of Yorkshire

Tour de Yorkshire: Stage 2 – Barnsley to Bedale – Mens

Tour de Yorkshire – Women’s race: Stage 1 – Doncaster to Selby – Drawing live

Tour de Yorkshire: Stage 1 – Doncaster to Selby

Getting ready…