Guillaume Di Grazia: Legendary cycling commentator killed at bull running festival in France

One of the most popular sporting commentators in the world has been killed at a bull running festival.

Cycling fans around the globe have shown an outpouring of grief after news spread that the ‘voice of the Tour de France’ Guillaume Di Grazia has died after a horrific incident during one of the dangerous events.

The legendary 52-year-old Eurosport commentator was killed after being hit by a bull in southern France, The Sun reports.

Onlookers were shocked as the terrible incident occurred during an abrivado, a festival in which a group of bulls are herded through village streets by horse riders.

Di Grazia was rushed to hospital in a serious condition but sadly died two days later, and only three days after his 52nd birthday.

Tributes have poured in for the much-loved pundit, including from his employer TNT Sports, which took over Eurosport this year.

“On Wednesday, we were saddened to learn of the accidental death of Guillaume Di Grazia,” a statement from TNT Sports said.

“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.”

TNT Sports director Géraldine Pons added: “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.”

The cycling mad nation of France has been in shock with trobutes flowing on social media from around the world.

“Terrible news. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP Guillaume,” one post said.

“How sad we will no longer have the opportunity to hear his voice and his quality as a presenter,” another added.

And another wrote: “What a shame! 52 years old…a great voice in cycling.”