Greig Leach

Contemporary figurative art created with oilsticks on paper, watercolors, stained glass and mixed media color based images of people, food, cycling and faith-based iconography
 
 

A Clean Set of Wheels TdF26-37

I feel I may need to explain the title. A clean set of wheels means that someone as such an advantage at the finale, that no one is anywhere near them, thus a clean set of wheels refers to no one in their slipstream or threatening to pass them. That is just how strong of a sprint Olav Kooij (Decathlon-CMA CGM) was able to mount. He has now won his first Tour de France stage and in so doing got the first stage win for his French team as well. Unable to match his burst of speed but still holding on for second was the guy who took the intermediate sprint, Max Kanter (XDS-Astana). The final step of the podium in Pau went to Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) followed in turn by Huub Artz (Lotto-Intermarche). Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling) only managed to finish sixth, but did add some more points in his quest for the Maillot Vert. I am not sure where the current wearer of the sprinter's jersey finished, but Mads Pedersen did hold on to his Green Jersey. In fact, none of the leader's jerseys changed shoulders today. I doubt that will be the case tomorrow as they race over the Tourmalet before ending atop Gauarnie-Gedre.