Cycling commentator Paul Sherwen dies at 62

The cycling commentator and former British road race champion Paul Sherwen has died at the age of 62, it has been announced.

A well-known figure on both TV and radio, Sherwen was considered by many to be the voice of the Tour de France, along with co-commentator Phil Liggett. He covered the legendary race on 33 occasions, working for Channel 4, NBC Sports and SBS in Australia.

As a cyclist, Sherwen also competed in seven editions of the Tour.

Commentary colleague and friend Phil Liggett wrote on Twitter:

“I went to bed in Africa with a heavy heart last night feeling sadness like never before. My team-mate for 33 years was no longer with me. Your hundreds of messages showed how well Paul Sherwen was loved. Let’s think of Katherine and his children with love just now.”

The official Tour Twitter account also included a tribute, stating: “All the Tour de France organisation is deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Sherwen. He has been a great rider and an iconic voice of Le Tour over many years. All our thoughts go to his family, friends and colleagues.”

Sherwen died in Kampala, Uganda where he had lived for most of his life.