ADAM BLYTHE TV PUNDIT, 36

The rider turned commentator talks style, TV subscription costs and life after racing

- Words Rob Kemp

Adam Blythe, 36, was born in Sheffield and raced from a young age with Sheffield Phoenix club.

He enjoyed a decade-long professional career from 2010 to 2019, earning a reputation for his sprinting strength, sharp tactics and infectious personality. Racing for top teams including BMC Racing Team, Orica–GreenEdge, Tinkoff and Lotto-Soudal, he claimed standout victories including the 2014 RideLondon-Surrey Classic and the 2016 British National Road Race Championship.

Since retiring, Blythe has brought the same energy and insight to the commentary box, becoming a familiar face and voice for Eurosport and TNT Sports. Now, with his trademark humour and honesty, he reflects on life after racing, the pressures of punditry, and why cycling needs more flair, fun and individuality – on and off the bike.

You were recently involved in a PR stunt where you were on a horse while jockey Harry Skelton was on a bike. How did that come about?

I'd never really been around horses. So I went down to Harry Skelton's place, his house and stables, where he's got about 200 thoroughbred racehorses. Just before I left, I said, "Can I at least sit on one?" They're such big, powerful animals. I was bricking it a bit – more a mental challenge than anything else – but it was a great experience.

You wanted to compare the two worlds, cycling and horse racing?

Exactly. Harry's really into cycling, so he invited me down to see how their world works, and to compare it. It was eyeopening – there's a lot more that goes into horse racing than I realised.

You retired a few years ago. How did you find the transition from pro racing into media?