14 Facts About Phil Liggett

Philip Alexander Liggett was born on 11 August 1943 and is an English commentator and journalist who covers professional cycling.

Phil Liggett is a former amateur cyclist and received a professional contract in 1967; instead of turning professional, he saw a future in sports journalism after writing articles in cycling magazines about races in which he participated.

Phil Liggett has reported on 17 Olympic Games and 52 Tours de France, generally alongside fellow veteran cycling commentators and former cyclists Paul Sherwen and Bob Roll.

Phil Liggett has covered other sports including triathlons and ski jumping.

Phil Liggett announced his retirement from commentating Olympics during the 2024 Olympics, with the 2024 Games being his last.

Phil Liggett has been associated with the Australian network SBS covering Australian events such as the Tour Down Under in addition to the Tour de France.

Between 1972 and 1993, Phil Liggett was technical director of the Milk Race.

In 1973, age 30, Phil Liggett became the youngest ever UCI international commissaire.

Phil Liggett has been president of the Cyclists' Touring Club, Britain's national cyclists' organisation.

Phil Liggett was a long-time supporter of Lance Armstrong and was a regular speaker at "Livestrong" functions along with his Tour De France co-presenter Paul Sherwen.

Phil Liggett repeatedly defended Armstrong, challenging the investigations which he called "a waste of money".

In 2012, after the United States Anti-Doping Agency had stripped Armstrong of his Tour de France titles, Phil Liggett claimed on South African Radio to have proof that unnamed politicians motivated by jealousy had fabricated the evidence against Armstrong by bribing witnesses.

In October 2012, Phil Liggett maintained his defence of Armstrong, calling the investigation a "witch hunt" without evidence.

In 2005, Phil Liggett was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to cycling.