Mic drop: Phil Liggett says this is his last Olympics as commentator

Phil Liggett, often hailed as the “Voice of Cycling,” announced this will be his last Olympics, after a long career spanning over four decades. Born in England in 1943, Liggett’s journey into cycling commentary began in the early 1970s. His distinctive voice and analysis quickly made him a beloved figure among cycling fans.

Undoubtedly, he’s known most for his coverage of the biggest race in the world, the Tour de France. Since the late 1970s, he has been a fixture of the race, bringing the drama and excitement of the Tour into homes around the world.
In addition to the Tour, Liggett has covered all the other big races, like the Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, the Classics, the World Championships, and, of course, the Olympics.

The biggest moments in cycling

Liggett has been there for some of the biggest moments in cycling. In the 1986 Tour de France, his emotional commentary highlighted Greg LeMond’s incredible comeback victory following a near-fatal hunting accident, as well as his spectacular win on the Champs-Élysées during the final stage of the 1989 Tour.

And who could forget the 1987 Tour, where his reaction to Stephen Roche’s incredible comeback, catching Pedro Delgado after being dropped early on the La Plagne climb, was unforgettable? “It’s Stephen Roche!” he exclaimed, capturing the moment when the Irishman caught up to the Spanish rider and went on to win that edition of the Tour.

If you’ve never seen that moment, by the way, do yourself a favour and check it now now.

Speaking of Roche–he also called it when the Carrera rider won the road worlds, becoming only the second rider in the history of men’s cycling to take the Triple Crown, which you can see here.

Stephen Roche 🇮🇪 wins the 1987 World Championships in Villach slipping away near the end. Brilliant win. Phil Liggett’s commentary gives me goosebumps every time. #Imola2020 pic.twitter.com/SxrtogHV4T

— Pro Cycling Memories (@ClipsCycling) September 23, 2020

More recently, Liggett stepped out from the broadcast booth for the first time to cheer on Mark Cavendish on the final stage of the 2024 Tour.

For the first time in his 52 years commentating the Tour de France, Phil Liggett left the booth in the middle of the race. #TDF2024

To cheer on Mark Cavendish at the finish after commentating on all 35 of his stage wins. @PhilLiggett @MarkCavendish pic.twitter.com/NKhxgySRlO

— NBC Sports…