A legendary Eurosport commentator has been killed aged 52.
Guillaume Di Grazia died after being hit by a bull in southern France.
AlamyCycling commentator Guillaume Di Grazia has been killed aged 52[/caption]
GettyHe died following a freak accident involving a bull[/caption]
The tragic incident occurred during an abrivado – a festival in which bulls are herded through village streets by horse riders.
Di Grazia was taken to hospital and died two days later – just three days after his 52nd birthday.
Tributes have poured in for the legendary commentator, including from his employer TNT Sports, who took over Eurosport this year.
A statement read: “On Wednesday, we were saddened to learn of the accidental death of Guillaume Di Grazia.
“A member of the Eurosport editorial team for 26 years, Guillaume was a unique, visionary and passionate journalist who left a lasting mark on the channel’s history.
“He was instinctive, sensing things long before others did, trends, trajectories… This creative spirit, coupled with great professionalism, made him an extraordinary journalist.
“The programme ‘Les Tontons Flankers’ left its mark on its era and on people’s minds.
“And what about ‘Les Rois de la Pédale’? He turned a simple debriefing programme into a benchmark event known to all French cycling fans.
“His way with words and his camaraderie with his colleagues, who became his other family, punctuated his life and ours.”
Di Grazia leaves behind a lasting legacy – for some as the voice of the Tour de France.
TNT Sports director Géraldine Pons wrote: “His enthusiasm, style and passion behind the microphone left a lasting impression on cycling fans.
“Sometimes, he was as popular as the riders on the roads of the Tour.”
Tributes have also been written by fans with one saying: “Terrible news. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP Guillaume. ”
Another added: “How sad we will no longer have the opportunity to hear his voice and his quality as a presenter.”
And a third wrote: “What a shame! 52 years old…a great voice in cycling.”
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