Paul Sherwen, beloved commentator and former pro, dies at 62

Paul Sherwen, a former professional rider and longtime cycling commentator, has died at 62.

Sherwen raced seven editions of the Tour de France and worked 33 more as a commentator. He became the voice of pro cycling for race fans all over the world, and in particular in the United States and Australia. Over the years he worked for NBC, ESPN, and ABC in the U.S. as well as SBS in Australia.

“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,” NBC Sports said in a statement.

Sherwen began his pro career with Fiat in 1978, then signed for La Redoute in 1980, racing with that program until his retirement in 1985. Near the end of his career, he began working with British broadcaster Channel 4. He paired up with commentator Phil Ligget and the two covered the Tour de France together for more than three decades.

Sherwen died Sunday morning in Uganda, where he has made his home for more than a decade.

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

From NBC Sports on the passing of Paul Sherwen: pic.twitter.com/YXQCiidsEV

— NBC Sports PR (@NBCSportsPR) December 2, 2018

The thought of never hearing my friend @PaulSherwen call another bike race is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones on this sad day.

— Dan Wuori (@dwuori) December 2, 2018