Iconic voice of cycling Paul Sherwen dies at 62 years old

Cycling broadcaster and former professional rider Paul Sherwen has passed away at 62-years-old. The Lancashire, England native was the voice of the Tour de France for many viewers commentating alongside Phil Ligget for decades most recently on NBC Sports. Sherwen lived in Kampala, Uganda. Sherwen passed away in his home in Kampala during the night from heart failure.

Sad day. Have lost a friend & fellow broadcaster in .@PaulSherwen Our lives intertwined via family in Uganda where Paul lived as well as the various Olympic Games we both worked on. A special man who loved his family both his own & the one he made via cycling. RIP
.@LeTour pic.twitter.com/LXNmL8DAon

— Sonja McLaughlan (@Sonjamclaughlan) December 2, 2018

Before becoming a broadcaster, Sherwen was a professional cyclist racing the Tour de France on seven occasions between 1978 and 1985. He was British national champion twice during his career.

Sherwen and Ligget had a style of commentating that attracted a strong following from fans and riders. In 2017, the Wall Street Journal wrote about the pair, “Their place is undeniable. Liggett and Sherwen are an institution. For many, the mellifluous melody and harmony of Paul and Phil is the soundtrack of cycling.”

The 2018 Tour de France was the 33rd that Sherwen was a commentator for. He previously worked on ABC Sports, ESPN and SBS Australia.

Since the news of Sherwen’s passing, many in the cycling world have taken to social media to remember his contributions to the sport, his good character, and wish condolences to his friends and family.

Completely shocked and saddened to hear of Paul Sherwen’s passing. Met Paul in 1992 when he worked as our press officer for Team Motorola. He was always a class act and a great friend. My deepest condolences go out to his family. RIP Climber.

— Lance Armstrong (@lancearmstrong) December 2, 2018

Today my heart has broken into pieces. Like a father and a best friend. Cycling will never be the same. May the road be flat, the sun on your face and the wind in your back. May the African sunrise be the thing you will see forever RIP Dad2 #paulsherwen #dad2 #cycling ? pic.twitter.com/eqZXGqJgt2

— Emma Davies (@emmaparisdavies) December 2, 2018

So sorry to hear of the passing of @PaulSherwen today. Paul helped me in my journey into this game back in the early 90’s in France with ACBB. In combination with Phil they were both the voices of cycling as I grew up. He’ll be sadly missed.

— Matt Stephens (@RealStephens) December 2, 2018

We’d like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Paul Sherwen.

His was a voice that brought the joys of our sport to life for millions of fans around the world and he will be deeply missed.

RIP

— NTT Pro Cycling (@NTTProCycling) December 2, 2018

You really did Live The Ride my friend. @PaulSherwen you led by example and made a difference in many lives. I will miss our talks and laughs.
RIP my friend….This world is a far better place because of you….and I for one…thank you. pic.twitter.com/xyw1UNOrJN

— veloimages (@veloimages) December 2, 2018

Cycling commentator and former professional Paul Sherwen has died at age 62. I don’t know specifics, other than he was in Uganda, where he lived and had stake in mining businesses. An extremely warm guy and a true gentleman from the first time I met him to the last time I saw him pic.twitter.com/P05yiang3H

— Neal Rogers (@nealrogers) December 2, 2018

Genuinely shocked to hear that Paul Sherwen has died. He brought the Tour de France alive for me, year after year of summers spent waiting for Channel 4 coverage every evening, as I’m sure he did for countless others. So so sad.

— Cillian Kelly (@irishpeloton) December 2, 2018

So sad to hear of the untimely passing of Paul Sherwen. I raced against him many years ago as an amateur when he was just starting out. We shared the same coach in Harold Nelson. It was soon clear he was a classy bike rider. And he became a great commentator. Rest In Peace, Paul.

— Brian Cookson OBE (@BrianCooksonOBE) December 2, 2018

Another good man gone. The news is just emerging that Paul Sherwin has died in Uganda. Paul always had time for people of all ranks in the travelling Grand Tour circus. I will miss his glorious mischievousness. Goodnight friend… pic.twitter.com/AvQVukLVLy

— Carlton Kirby (@carltonkirby) December 2, 2018