Phil Liggett says that the grief following the death of Paul Sherwen, his co-commentator for more than three decades, is yet to hit him as he prepares to pick up the microphone once again for the Tour Down Under.
Former Tour de France cyclist turned TV pundit Sherwen died last month at his home in Uganda at the age off 62, with the news prompting tributes from cycling fans all round the world, many of whom got their introduction to watching the sport on TV courtesy of “Phil and Paul.”
The pair would head to Adelaide each January to commentate on the Tour Down Under, but this year it will be Australian former sprinter Robbie McEwen who sits alongside him, reports the Australian Associated Press.
Speaking about Sherwen’s death, Liggett said: "Because I spoke about it almost non-stop from the moment I was told, the grief flew over my head. I don't think it's hit me yet.
"My reception here has been extraordinary, but the outpouring of love ... has been incredible and it's probably gotten me through one of the worst times of my life."
"I've evaluated every day in my life since. The last thing I want to do is crack up. It's going to be very difficult at the Tour Down Under.”
Liggett said that he is looking forward to working with McEwen, a three-time winner of the points classification at the Tour de France.
He said: "Robbie is a natural on television - a total natural. He's a friend. I'm not at all worried about working with Robbie.
"I'm just a little bit afraid I might grab his knee ... I will let you know [the reaction], I hope Robbie understands."
After 33 years commentating alongside Sherwen, Liggett acknowledged that it was "only matter of time" before he called McEwen “Paul, adding, "It's no good, it will slip. I think that's a sign of friendship."
'Suitable advice' can already be found in the Highway Code.
Fair point, although I have seen drivers go around other cars which he are stationary at the lights to jump a red!
Bike storage in Kingston
Im betting these come out of the same factory as the SG and the Grip grab gloves. Identical apart from the Silicon overlay....
Oh, and for long rides (100 miles ish) a whole pack of fig rolls and a couple of jam sandwiches normally does my fuelling.
That "old lane" as you call it, is 1) very much open, some misguided cyclists still use it. I used it once, vowed never to again and I block ride...
Confusingly there seem to be two Millicent roads which cross at approximately right angles, the one that is north-east to south-west is the one...
Indeed....
"Although other neighbours were outside, nobody else had thought to alert her mum and siblings because there was no car on the drive so they didn’t...
"Aldi apologised for the blocked bike racks and said "we have spoken with the store to make sure that the cycle bays are clear for use at all times...