1986...I remember C4 was innovative, challenging and young. Their coverage of the Tour was part of that, not least because of Pete Shelley's theme tune. One of those perfect sporting theme tunes. Fascinating to see journalists hammering away at mechanical typewriters in 1986...
I am thankful to Paul Sherwen for having taken the time, in 1996, to reply to my letter asking how to become a professional cyclist. He firmly instructed me to attend university before trying to get into the pro ranks. Well, I did it the other way around. And, having first ridden with Raleigh and then a French team in my 20s, I qualified as a mine engineer at 34, actually, spending some time looking at the gold mine into which Paul had invested. Thank you to him and Phil for the years of inspiring and informative commentary on the greatest sporting event in the world.
