Jean-René Godart: The Legendary Voice of French Cycling

Remembering the man who turned sports commentary into an art form

When you think of the Tour de France, it’s impossible not to remember the warm, passionate, and precise voice of Jean-René Godart. For over four decades, his commentary defined the rhythm of cycling for millions of listeners and viewers across France. His recent passing at the age of 74 marks the end of an era — the loss of a man who wasn’t just a journalist but a storyteller, a teacher, and above all, a true lover of sport.

Early Life and Education: From Literature to the Love of Sports

Jean-René Godart was born in Compiègne, France, and his career didn’t begin on the cycling track but rather in the classroom. He studied modern literature and graduated from the Centre d’Enseignement International Supérieur du Journalisme in Strasbourg — a foundation that shaped his eloquent, narrative-driven style.

Before entering broadcast journalism, Godart began in the print world, writing for publications like L’Union de Reims and Télé Magazine. His love for words and storytelling soon met his passion for sports, leading him to pursue a career behind the microphone — where his voice would later become one of France’s most recognizable.

Breaking into the Spotlight: From Europe 1 to the Tour de France

In 1974, Jean-René Godart joined Europe 1, one of France’s leading radio networks. Within a few years, he became a reporter in the sports department, working alongside French broadcasting legends such as Roger Couderc and Robert Chapatte.

Godart’s big break came in 1982, when he covered the Tour de France for the first time. Riding on a motorcycle alongside the cyclists, he offered real-time commentary that captured not only the action but also the emotion — the sweat, the wind, and the tension of the road. His partnership with cycling legend Jacques Anquetil helped shape his early career, as Anquetil mentored him in the art of narrating the sport with authenticity and respect.

The Transition to Television: A New Chapter with France Télévisions

In 1994, Godart took a major step by moving from radio to France Télévisions, where he became editor-in-chief of the sports division before transitioning into a full-time commentator role. His smooth transition from radio to TV proved his adaptability — he mastered both the intimacy of sound and the visual rhythm of broadcast storytelling.

For decades, his voice guided audiences through not just cycling, but also tennis, the Olympics, and other major sports. Still, cycling remained his home turf. He would go on to cover 33 consecutive Tours de France, 13 Olympic Games, and 21 Roland-Garros tournaments — achievements that few journalists can match.

A Man of Words, Passion, and Precision

What made Jean-René Godart unique wasn’t only his experience, but his approach to commentary. He treated sports not merely as competition but as human drama. His delivery was calm, insightful, and never exaggerated. Whether it was a breathtaking mountain climb or a sprint finish, he found the perfect words to express what viewers were feeling.

Colleagues described him as humble, meticulous, and endlessly curious. He prepared meticulously for every broadcast, believing that accuracy and emotion should always coexist. For Godart, storytelling was the bridge between athletes and fans — and he crossed that bridge gracefully every time he spoke.

Health Challenges and Retirement

Behind the scenes, Godart faced serious health challenges in his later years. In 2016, he underwent surgery on his femoral artery due to blood clots. A year later, a viral infection affected his larynx, partially paralyzing his vocal cords and reducing the strength of his voice — his most cherished tool.

In interviews, he spoke candidly about the pain of losing what he loved most. “I woke up one morning without a voice,” he said. “It felt like losing a part of myself.” Despite therapy and determination, the damage was permanent. In 2018, after more than four decades on the air, Jean-René Godart officially retired from broadcasting.

Books, Documentaries, and Lasting Legacy

Jean-René Godart didn’t just narrate stories — he also wrote them. He authored several books and collaborated on documentaries celebrating French cycling history. Among his most notable works was La Bande à Hinault, co-written with Jacques Anquetil, which offered deep insight into the world of professional cycling and its heroes.

He also worked on the documentary Anquetil pour toujours (“Anquetil Forever”) and contributed to the France Télévisions series Le Tour de France: Son Histoire, Notre Histoire (“The Tour de France: Its Story, Our Story”). Each project reflected his lifelong mission — to preserve the memory of cycling’s greatest moments for future generations.

A Voice That Will Never Be Forgotten

When Jean-René Godart passed away in October 2025, tributes poured in from journalists, athletes, and fans around the world. France Télévisions described him as “one of the great voices of French sport.” To many, he was not just a commentator but the heartbeat of summer — the sound of the Tour de France itself.

Even in silence, his presence remains. His legacy lives on through the countless hours of broadcasts, the young commentators he inspired, and the viewers who grew up hearing his calm yet powerful narration.

Jean-René Godart may have retired his microphone, but his voice continues to echo — in the roads of France, the spirit of cycling, and the hearts of all who love the game.