Cape Town - Respected cycling commentator and former professional rider Paul Sherwen has died at the age of 62 in Uganda.

The Englishman made his name during the 1980s, competing seven times in the Tour de France and twice becoming British national champion.

According to The Guardian, he later moved into broadcasting and worked for Channel 4’s coverage of the Tour de France for several years before moving to NBC Sports in America.

The 2018 Tour de France, in which Geraint Thomas won his first title, was the 33rd Sherwen had commentated on.

Several well-known names in the cycling fraternity paid their respects on social media:

Completely shocked and saddened to hear of Paul Sherwen’s passing. Met Paul in 1992 when he worked as our press officer for Team Motorola. He was always a class act and a great friend. My deepest condolences go out to his family. RIP Climber.

— Lance Armstrong (@lancearmstrong) December 2, 2018

We were truly saddened by the news of the passing of @PaulSherwen. A former national champion and a great voice of our sport, our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

— British Cycling (@BritishCycling) December 2, 2018

We’d like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Paul Sherwen.

His was a voice that brought the joys of our sport to life for millions of fans around the world and he will be deeply missed.

RIP

— Team Dimension Data (@TeamDiData) December 2, 2018

So sad to hear of the untimely passing of Paul Sherwen. I raced against him many years ago as an amateur when he was just starting out. We shared the same coach in Harold Nelson. It was soon clear he was a classy bike rider. And he became a great commentator. Rest In Peace, Paul.

— Brian Cookson OBE (@BrianCooksonOBE) December 2, 2018

Another good man gone. The news is just emerging that Paul Sherwin has died in Uganda. Paul always had time for people of all ranks in the travelling Grand Tour circus. I will miss his glorious mischievousness. Goodnight friend... pic.twitter.com/AvQVukLVLy

— Carlton Kirby (@carltonkirby) December 2, 2018

Today my heart has broken into pieces. Like a father and a best friend. Cycling will never be the same. May the road be flat, the sun on your face and the wind in your back. May the African sunrise be the thing you will see forever RIP Dad2 #paulsherwen #dad2 #cycling ?? pic.twitter.com/eqZXGqJgt2

— Emma Davies (@emmaparisdavies) December 2, 2018