Cycling commentator David Duffield dies at age 84

Hugely popular cycling commentator David Duffield has died today at the age of 84 following a fall.

Among those to pay tribute on Twitter was his friend and successor in the commentary box for British Eurosport, Carlton Kirby.

Just heard my dear friend David Duffield has died. He passed away this morning following injuries sustained in a heavy fall. Saddest of news

— Carlton Kirby (@carltonkirby) February 21, 2016

Besides his long career as a commentator, which he combined with a career in marketing in the bike industry including for brands such as Moulton and Ti Raleigh, 'Duffers' was also an accomplished rider, particularly on a tricycle.

In 1956, he secured the Land's End to John O'Groats record on a trike, riding the end-to-end route in 3 days, 12 hours and 15 minutes.

His unique style of commentary led to fans fondly coining the phrase 'Duffieldisms' and web pages being created in his honour, but he also possessed a huge knowledge of the sport.

Here are some of the tributes being paid to him today on Twitter.

The late David Duffield showing immaculate style. There will never be another commentator quite like him. pic.twitter.com/hqHudYq1A3

— Michael Hutchinson (@Doctor_Hutch) February 21, 2016

Rest in peace #duffers chapeau aka David duffield best #cycling #commentator #eurosport have ever had pic.twitter.com/1eK6o2IKdh

— blackcountryvelo (@nethertonboy1) February 21, 2016

RIP David Duffield, learnt a lot him and above all else he had cycling and the love it it written all the way through him. Sad day

— Tony Gibb (@agibby76) February 21, 2016

I met David Duffield at a British Cycling new commentators get together. His enthusiasm and knowledge was infectious. He made it seem easy

— Anthony McCrossan (@antmccrossan) February 21, 2016

For many he was the voice of cycling. RIP David Duffield. pic.twitter.com/14lOZxqYDH

— Sigma Sport (@SigmaSport) February 21, 2016

Here he is calling Sean Kelly home in the memorable 1992 edition of Milan-San Remo.

Duffield superfan Marco Framboli, who runs the We love David Duffield fan pages paid tribute to hs hero:

"When David Duffield commentated on a bike race his passion was infectious," Framboli wrote in an email to road.cc.

"You weren't just getting a corporate, made-for-TV view of a cycle race, you were getting a genuine behind-the-scenes look, warts and all, from what felt like a good friend or favourite uncle.

"His descriptive language was so colourful that it was worth watching a full seven hour stage just to hear his unique turn of phrase.

"Back in 2001 I started collecting these gems, later to be known as Duffieldisms and publishing them on a web page, simply called 'We Love David Duffield', dedicated to David's style of commentary.

"Very quickly it became apparent that David held a special place in the hearts of fans around Europe when contributors started to email by the hundreds.

"It turned out that people really did want to him about his pet rabbit called sixpence or the time he filled a petrol car up with diesel and had to do a commentary from a hotel room by telephone. I think the very apparent honesty of the man was what made him so appealing.

"Despite his fame in the cycling world David was always very accessible, He once came to our club dinner in south London To give out prizes before returning straight home to Bath.

"He was also very approachable and chatty to anyone that saw him at a bike show or race.

"Coming from a cycling club background, you felt above all, that even with what David had gone on to achieve, he was still one of us."