The Master Of The Mic: Phil Liggett

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I don’t know about you, but when I think about the Tour de France I hear one man’s voice. A legend of commentary who’s currently covering the Grande Boucle for the 53rd time, I am absolutely gee’d up to bring you my interview with the one and only Phil Liggett.

Phil really has seen it all from his early days as a wannabe racer through to finding the microphone, and a lifetime of calling the Tour de France and some of the biggest cycling moments in the last half century. He has spanned the careers of so many riders from Hinault and Lemond through the Armstrong years up to Pogačar and Vingegaard, and has got endless stories to tell.

This episode, which I recorded with Phil in person back at the Tour Down Under in January, was a real privilege. I’ve tried my hand and commentary, and it was amazing to hear Phil explain the art of calling a bike race. I learnt so much from him - it’s like asking Picasso how to paint, Shane Warne how to spin bowl, or Pogi how to win a bike race; he is the absolute master of the craft. We even had a go at re-voicing the iconic finish to the 2016 Paris-Roubaix - you have GOT to hear that. An absolute once in a lifetime moment for me!

Guys, this episode is a really special one. We speak about so much - from Phil’s perfect partnership with the late great Paul Sherwen, how commentary has changed throughout his career, and how his job is to - as he puts it - “stop the old lady from going to make a cup of tea”.

What better man to have on the pod during the Tour de France than this absolute icon. Get yourself comfortable and enjoy this chat with the master of the mic - Mr Phil Liggett.

Cheers,

Mitch

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