Tour de France 2014: Stage 7 – Épernay to Nancy
Cascading Green was made from Stage 7 of 2014’s Tour. It was one of the longest stages and passed through some lovely towns and villages by the river Moselle. The peloton rode past this lovely house with tumbling bougainvillea and a cascade of green on the trees lining the road.
It was so pretty, I had to paint it!
Further development with the Schminke Aqua Drop paints. Such rich colours! I apply them to damp watercolour paper and then create something new on top. A bike is starting to emerge here…
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
The race takes place over four days covering all parts of the county with its dramatic countryside and coastline – rugged and beautiful.
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! 🙂
ALL IMAGES COPYRIGHT MAXINE DODD
Bonjour! Stage15 was a long stage leaving the Alps and heading through the south of France towards the Pyrenees. The course passed through classic French countryside, but with crosswinds and storms at times, it was still a challenge for the riders. Two made an impressive breakaway lead by Martin Elmiger and Jack Bauer. At the end of the stage they were caught and passed by the head of the peloton – all sprinters – and there was nothing either man could do to assuage the onslaught! Amazing stuff – can’t wait for Stage 16! Here are my drawings:
Bonjour! Stage14 continued in the Alps in a hard day’s climbing and an engrossing day’s racing. The skies promised rain but didn’t deliver – instead riders worked hard in the sun. The race saw great performances from the AG2R team, Vincenzo Nibali, but the stage was won by up and coming climber, Rafal Majka, who crossed the line, jacket unzipped and flapping! Here are my drawings:
Maxine Dodd 