Carlton Kirby, a figure who evokes strong reactions, has carved a distinctive niche in the world of cycling commentary. Known for his unique blend of puns and vibrant metaphors, the 64-year-old has amassed a dedicated following, though not without attracting his share of detractors. Despite his extensive travels and diverse experiences, Kirby has found a comfortable home in Molesey, a charming suburb in south-west London, where he resides with his family in a historic Tudor cottage.
Kirby's early life in Sheffield during the 1960s placed him among notable personalities like Jeremy Clarkson and Michael Palin. His unconventional career trajectory led him from a supermodel girlfriend and life on a desert island to finding his true calling in motorsports and cycling with Eurosport. His formative years included a paper delivery job that inadvertently ignited his passion for cycling and even inspired his own version of a mountain bike. A summer job in a French biscuit factory introduced him to the thrill of the Tour de France, solidifying his love for the sport.
Kirby's professional life has been marked by a series of intriguing turns. After a brief but memorable career in marketing and journalism, he found himself working for BBC Radio Norwich, where he gained a reputation for uncovering peculiar local stories. A stint on the remote island nation of Tuvalu, where he even won a local cycling race, provided a stark contrast to his later broadcasting career. Eventually, an opportunity arose at TV-am, leading him to Eurosport, where he began his journey in sports commentary, initially covering the Dakar Rally and later, mountain biking. His persistence paid off when he joined the cycling commentary team for the Vuelta, marking his ascent into the competitive world of professional cycling broadcasting.
Throughout his career, Kirby has encountered memorable moments, from a hilarious mishap involving a Dutch commentator at Mont Ventoux to his most exhilarating call of Iljo Keisse's dramatic victory in Turkey. He attributes his strength as a commentator to his ability to engage viewers during the quieter moments of a race, finding fascination in the seemingly mundane. Despite facing criticism and even an online petition, Kirby maintains a positive outlook, choosing to embrace both his supporters and his detractors. His most dangerous moment came when he narrowly escaped a confrontation with a powerful team owner's henchman during the Tour. Outside of cycling, Kirby enjoys rowing, hiking in the Derbyshire hills, and indulging his talents as a chef, artist, and photographer, showcasing a multifaceted personality that extends far beyond the commentary booth. His humorous proposed epitaph, 'Joy for haters globally. What an effort that was!', perfectly encapsulates his self-aware and resilient spirit.