Renowned cycling commentator Phil Liggett has shared the news that the Paris 2024 Olympics will mark his final appearance in the commentary booth.
The 80-year-old made this announcement during Channel Nine’s coverage on day nine in Australia, shortly after providing commentary for the women’s road race. He expressed concerns about being too old to commentate at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Liggett has been a prominent figure in the world of cycling for many years, covering an impressive 50 Tours de France and observing the sport’s evolution from icons like Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault to today’s leading rider, Tadej Pogačar.
His extensive career has encompassed the modern history of cycling, and he has also contributed as a journalist for Cycling magazine and the Daily Telegraph, worked as a qualified UCI commissaire, and organized the Milk Race for over two decades.
Liggett will be 81 on the day of the Paris closing ceremony, and he became emotional while sharing with host Eddie McGuire that the 2024 Games will be his last as a commentator.
‘In another four years, I’ll be 85,’ he remarked.
‘I think that’s too old to spoil the viewers’ enjoyment. But I will certainly miss it.’
Phil Liggett has announced the Paris Olympics will be his last as the most recognized voice in the sport.
The legendary commentator has reported on cycling in 17 Olympic Games, starting from the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Before breaking the news, Liggett appeared visibly moved, telling McGuire, ‘Don’t make me cry now.’
He acknowledged it is the right time to conclude his Olympic commentary journey, which spans 17 Games.
‘My mailbag has been wonderful after the Tour de France. The feedback during this week’s road events has been exceptional,’ he mentioned.
‘People from Australia have consistently reached out to say the same thing: don’t even think about retiring.’
‘But, I’m not invincible, and I don’t wish to bore everyone.’
‘I will miss it incredibly.’
Liggett’s first Olympic experience was in Moscow in 1980, a time he recalls with mixed feelings due to the unusual circumstances.
‘Everyone was excited to have broken through the Iron Curtain and reached Moscow,’ he reflected.
‘However, we were shadowed by KGB officers in plain clothes. Any deviation from the main road immediately attracted their attention, with warnings such as, “It’s not safe for you here; go that way”.’
‘This kept us from seeing any real Russia. It may not have been a pleasant memory, but it introduced me to many who helped shape my career later.’
Mark Cavendish from the UK and Team Dimension Data is among the thousands of athletes Liggett has interviewed over his career.
Liggett with Cadel Evans, an Australian Tour de France champion, among many cycling legends he has covered.
Additionally, he revealed that he has become a mentor to several prominent figures in Hollywood, who sought his guidance and companionship.
‘Just last week, I spent a long time on the phone with Ben Stiller, an exceptional actor, and I had a great friendship with comedian Robin Williams,’ Liggett disclosed.
‘They all shared one common interest: a love for cycling.’
Liggett began his journey as a professional cyclist and transitioned to journalism and commentary in the early 1970s.
He gained recognition for his coverage of the Tour de France, establishing himself as the ‘Voice of Cycling’ with over four decades of contributions.
His commentary, characterized by profound knowledge and passionate delivery, has garnered him a loyal fanbase among cycling enthusiasts.
Beyond cycling, he has also reported on other sports, including the Winter Olympics and triathlons.
Liggett has worked with major networks such as ITV, NBC, and SBS, enhancing cycling broadcasts on a global scale.
His collaboration with fellow commentator Paul Sherwen, lasting until Sherwen’s passing in 2018, became legendary in the cycling community.
Liggett has received numerous accolades for his impact on sports broadcasting, including an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) award in 2005.
He has authored multiple books on cycling, sharing his insights and experiences from years in the sport.
In addition to his broadcasting career, Liggett is actively engaged in conservation initiatives, particularly in South Africa.
