Paul Sherwen, British road race champion and cycling commentator, dies

British road race champion and cycling commentator Paul Sherwen has died at the age of 62.

Sherwen was the national circuit race champion in 1986 and road race champion the following year, results which came towards the end of a career which also saw him compete in seven editions of the Tour de France between 1978 and 1985.

In more recent years, Sherwen was one of the most recognisable voices of the sport, commentating alongside Phil Liggett on the Tour and other major races around the world – broadcast on SBS for Australian audiences.

SBS cycling host Michael Tomalaris, a long-time colleague of Sherwen, paid his respects on social media.

"Shocked to learn of the sudden passing of Paul Sherwen. A former pro-cyclist who became a familiar voice for SBS audiences as a member of his partnership in commentary with Phil Liggett. This was our last time together in July this year. A true gentleman. RIP," Tomalaris tweeted with an accompanying photo of himself and Sherwen.

Australian cycling star Robbie McEwen was another to recognise Sherwen's impact.

"I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Sherwen. An absolute gentleman - I knew him for over 20 years & listened to him & Phil for almost 30. Always generous with his time, I learnt plenty working alongside him. My sincere condolences to his family & loved ones," he tweeted.

British Cycling and a number of WorldTour teams, including Australia's Mitchelton-Scott and Mark Cavendish's Team Dimension Data, also posted tributes to Sherwen.

"We were truly saddened by the news of the passing of @paulSherwen. A former national champion and great voice of our sport, our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time," a tweet from British Cycling read.

"We are saddened to hear the news of the passing of Paul Sherwen and would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and the whole cycling community. RIP," Mitchelton-Scott tweeted.