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Jean-René Godart, Voice of French Cycling on Air and TV, Dies at 74

France Télévisions confirmed his death after a family notification, closing a career across 33 Tours de France, 13 Olympic Games, plus 21 Roland-Garros.

Overview

  • Godart died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, with France Télévisions reporting the news after being informed by his family.
  • He became a familiar presence to viewers for his live Tour de France reporting from a motorcycle, a hallmark of his cycling coverage.
  • His portfolio spanned 33 Tours between 1982 and 2015, 13 editions of the Olympics, and 21 Roland-Garros tournaments.
  • He began at Europe 1 in 1974 and called his first Tour in 1982 alongside Jacques Anquetil before joining France Télévisions in 1994.
  • Colleagues offered tributes, including Laurent-Eric Le Lay and Pascal Praud, as obituaries noted his editor-in-chief role, 2018 retirement for health reasons, national honors in 1995 and 2011, and books such as La bande à Hinault.