The remarkable life of Phil Liggett (replay)

The remarkable life of Phil Liggett (replay)

From Overnight Success by Escape Collective

January 27, 2026 · 57 min · Season 2 · Episode 19

About this episode

Phil Liggett discusses his long career in cycling commentating and his experiences with notable figures in the sport.

In this episode replay, I speak to Phil Liggett about how he got his start in commentating, how he met Paul Sherwen, how he’s been doing since Paul’s untimely passing, about his relationship with Lance Armstrong, and the cut-throat nature of his position at the top of his profession. Liggett is undeniably the most recognisable voice in cycling and his dulcet tones have brought the sport we all love into the mainstream through his ‘Liggetisms’, through his descriptions of châteaux, and through his partnership with co-commentator Paul Sherwen. Many enthusiasts say that Phil is long past his prime and should retire. There’s no denying that the media landscape is a very different place now than it was when Phil started commenting — before many of us were even born. But Phil has witnessed and called so many of cycling’s most significant and historic moments; moments that made us all jump out of our chairs with excitement. You have to thank Phil for being part of those memories. Personally, I bookmark my years by who won the TdF in that particular July, and Phil and Paul’s voices are part of that. Phil is now 76 years old and has been commentating since the late 70s. Think about that…

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Host: Escape Collective

Guest: Phil Liggett

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