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…
sky
Tour de France 2016: Stage 21 – Chantilly to Paris Champs-Élysées
Bonjour! Stage 21, the triumphal ride into Paris! The sun came out – a relief after the past two days and there was the usual friendly handshakes and congratulations to the Yellow Jersey. Team Sky were in good mood, enjoying beer en route and all processed gracefully to Paris. The racing began on the Champs-Élysées. The win went to André Greipel like last year, but all the more sweet for him as a stage win had eluded him this Tour. Finally, the champions, Team Sky brought home their man, Chris Froome – a brilliant third win. Definitely time for a lie-down! Here are my drawings:
To Paris!
Riding past Golden Joan
Congratulations!
Four jerseys ride to Paris! SOLD
Greipel wins!
Amazing fly-past!
A well-earned beer!
The Champions! – SOLD
Tour de France 2016: Stage 20 – Megève to Morzine-Avoriaz
Bonjour! Stage 20 The last Alpine stage and, nearly the end of the race! In some ways it was a continuation of yesterday – pouring rain, tough climbs and daring descents. The stage began with silence to remember the victims of the terror attack in Munich, so sadly, my dove appears again. There were brave rides by Alaphilippe, Pantano and Nibali but the outstanding descent came from Movistar’s Ion Izagirre, who took the stage win. It was fitting that Poels and Froome crossed the last mountain together, Froome riding on to win the whole race along with all his eight comrades from Team Sky. He is in the history books now with three wins to his name. Here are my drawings:
The last climb!
Dove
Descending in the rain and looking back!
Battling on!
Tour de France 2016: Stage 19 – Albertville to Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc
Bonjour! Stage 19 was an amazing stage. It had everything, from sunshine to torrential rain, from brave breakaways to individual brilliance. The Astana team went to the front, took a look around and just went for it! They led for much of the day. The rain came towards the end of the stage, changing everything, suddenly everyone was losing balance, some falling badly including Pierre Rolland and Chris Froome, the latter completing the stage on another borrowed bike. He was helped along the last painful metres by his team-mate, Wout Pouels. At the finish, one of cycling’s best descenders, Romain Bardet, stole a march on everyone and went on to win. Helter skelter! Here are my drawings:
Dark descent
A long slog in the rain!
Brilliant Bardet!
Torrential rain!
Do we carry on?
Thank you!
Tour de France 2016: Stage 18 – Sallanches to Megève
Bonjour! Stage 18 was the second time-trial of this year’s Tour. This one was an uphill course where time-trial specialist, Tom Dumoulin was expected to repeat his sparkling performance from Stage 13. He put in a great time which no-one could catch, until Chris Froome set out. At the first time-check he was in 5th place, ‘unusual for him’ said the commentator. At the second time-check, he had gained 14 seconds and was speeding up. After the descent, he stormed home to victory, riding 21 seconds faster than Dumoulin. An incredible ride! Here are my drawings:
At the second time-check, speeding up!
Chris Froome sets out, £250
Chris Froome smashes it!
La Vuelta 2014: Stage 1, Jerez de la Frontera
Hola! So good to be back to cycling for the last Grand Tour of the season, which takes us round beautiful Spain. Stage 1 took the form of a team time trial around the southern city of Jerez de la Frontera – a lovely evening stage showing all the teams to great advantage. and whetting the appetites of fans for three weeks of great racing. Here are my drawings:
Team Sky cornering
Viva Espana! Movistar win Stage 1
Sky Stage 1, Jerez
Tinkoff Saxo into the sun
Movistar smash the time!
Jerez de la Frontera, Stage 1
Tour de France 2014: Stage 15 – Tallard to Nîmes
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:
Back in the sun
Poor visibility
Splash! SOLD
Coming through town
SOLD – A very steep hill
Astonishing race to the finish!
Tour de France 2014: Stage 14 – Grenoble to Risoul
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:
Storm brewing in the Alps
Looking from above
Heading for Col du Lautaret
Descent: Col du Izoard
AG2R running for the last hill
Wind in his coat tails, Rafal Majka
Tour de France 2014: Stage 13 – Saint-Étienne to Chamrousse
Bonjour! Stage13 arrived in the Alps and passed through the city of Grenoble. Spectacular scenery, including the still snowy and very white, Mont Blanc. This was another hard stage with more riders abandoning or falling back. Steering a very confident course through much of the race was Alessandro De Marchio who forged ahead. Until that is, the brilliant Vincenzo Nibali burst past everyone in the final kilometres to take the win alone and in style. Vincenzo has worn the Yellow Jersey for many days and must be the favourite for Paris. Who can catch him? Here are my drawings:
Early breakaway to the mountains
Nibali
Up the mountain to Grenoble
Head down for the descent
Maxine Dodd 