Sean Kelly mini fact file

Born in County Tipperary, Ireland, on 24 May 1956, Sean Kelly began cycling after seeing his older brother, Joe, riding to school. His first professional race was at the six-day Étoile de Bessèges in 1977. He later won the opening stage of the Tour de Romandie and a stage at the 1978 Tour de France. Kelly fulfilled his potential in spectacular fashion during the 1980s. His achievements include victories in Classics, stages races and a Grand Tour, with successes at Paris–roubaix, Liège-bastogne-liège, Milan–san Remo and an astonishing sevenyear streak at Paris-nice. With 193 professional victories under his belt, Kelly is one of the most successful riders in the history of professional cycling. Post-cycling, he has worked as a commentator for Eurosport, launched Ireland’s first professional team, An Post-chain Reaction, and served as an ambassador for Vitus. ‘As a bike rider, you start your career very young,’ he said when looking back on his career. ‘You don’t get to experience the other things that could have maybe been there for you in life. Professional bike racing takes over so much of your time. But, for me, cycling has still taught me a lot.’