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SBS Tour de France commentator Paul Sherwen dies in Uganda

Longtime SBS cycling broadcaster and former professional cyclist Paul Sherwen has died aged 62 at his Ugandan home.

Paul Sherwen (right) was one half of the long-time soundtrack to the Tour de France.
Paul Sherwen (right) and Phil Liggett brought the Tour de France alive for SBS audiences for many years. Source: Getty Images North America

One half of the iconic duo that brought the Tour de France to life for Australian audiences, Paul Sherwen has died aged 62 at his home in Uganda. 

Alongside Phil Liggett, Sherwen commentated the Tour de France for nearly 30 years. 

SBS Cycling paid tribute to the former professional cyclist for helping Australians appreciate the beauty of the sport. 

SBS presenter Michael Tomalaris said he was a "true gentleman" while cyclist Robbie McEwen said he was deeply saddened. 

"I knew him for over 20 years and listened to him and Phil for almost 30. Always generous with his time, I learnt plenty working alongside him," McEwen tweeted.

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US broadcaster NBC also offered their condolences to friends and family. 

"Paul was synonymous with the Tour de France in the US and will be greatly missed by his legions of fans and the NBC Sports family, which was honoured to be part of Paul's 40th Tour last July," it said in a statement.

"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."

Born in Lancashire in the UK, Sherwen has lived most of his life in Uganda, where he set up a cycling charity, Paul's Peloton, to help children in Africa get access to bicycles. 


2 min read

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Source: SBS News


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