Greig Leach

First it was Cesare Benedetti (Bora-Argon 18) who went back to the peloton, Then on a small rise out of town, it was Alex Howes (Cannondale-Drapac) who just couldn't hold the wheels of these two Tour de France veterans. The fans lined every kilometer of the stage today, some waving giant French flags, delighted to see one of their countrymen on the front of the race for 173 kilometers of the stage. The fan lined roads sort of made the neon green directional arrow (over to the left) rather unnecessary to show the riders the way to go. Jeremy Roy (FDJ) and Martin Elmiger (IAM Cycling) teams have won a stage yet, so both were hoping they could bring stage glory to the team bus at the end of the day. They only had to hold of the whole of the peloton for another five kilometers, to bad they only had about a 15 second lead. I am delighted that Jeremy Roy put himself in front of the camera. I have been hoping to paint him in the Tour since meeting him in Richmond, Virginia during the UCI Road World Championships. I was painting the races live just across from the awards presentation podium when a rather attractive thin Frenchman walked up and introduced himself. I have painted him in a number of different races in the past, so he took the opportunity saw hello in the real world. We both took selfies together and then got back to our respective jobs.