Paul Sherwen, Legendary Cycling Commentator and Former Pro, Dies at 62
Paul Sherwen, the professional British road cyclist turned legendary cycling commentator, died Sunday morning at his home in Uganda, according to NPR. He was 62.
Born in the United Kingdom, Sherwen grew up in Uganda while his father worked there, then moved back to the U.K. to launch a professional cycling career as a teenager in the mid-1970s. That impressive career, largely for French-based La Redoute and highlighted by two British national championships and seven Tour de France appearances, stretched across the 1970s and 1980s.
In the late 1980s, Sherwen transitioned to broadcast work, and over the next several decades became a staple of cycling coverage beamed into British, Australian, and American homes. The past summer was Sherwen’s 40th Tour de France-in addition to competing in seven himself, he provided commentary or analysis on 33 more. He also covered cycling for NBC Sports at five Olympics from 1996 to 2016.
“We are saddened to offer our condolences to the friends and family of Paul Sherwen, who passed away this morning at his home in Uganda,” NBC Sports said in a statement released Sunday. “Paul was synonymous with the Tour de France in the U.S. and will be greatly missed by his legions of fans and the NBC Sports family, which was honored to be part of Paul’s 40th Tour last July. Our thoughts are with Paul’s wife, Katherine, their children and all of those in the cycling community who became Paul Sherwen fans over his many years calling the sport he loved.”
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Since news broke of Sherwen’s death on Sunday, tributes have poured in from every corner of the world of cycling.
All the Tour de France organisation is deeply saddened by the passing of @PaulSherwen . 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. pic.twitter.com/sZcH5hWjv9
- Tour de France™ (@LeTour) December 3, 2018
I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Sherwen. An absolute gentleman - I knew him for over 20 years & listened to him & Phil for almost 30. Always generous with his time, I learnt plenty working alongside him. My sincere condolences to his family & loved ones pic.twitter.com/lLTe0bDdXC
- Robbie McEwen (@mcewenrobbie) 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- Team Dimension Data (@TeamDiData) December 2, 2018
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 @PaulSherwen was loved. Let's think of Katherine and his children with love just now.
- Phil Liggett (@PhilLiggett) December 3, 2018
In addition to his journalistic work in the sport, Sherwen was a consistent promoter of cycling on the African continent, where he lived for much of his life. He led the Paul’s Peloton program, which brought bikes to Africa, and was a proud supporter of South African-registered Team Dimension Data, the first African team in the World Tour.
Sherwen is survived by his wife, Katherine, and their two children.
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