Sean Kelly was one of the most successful road cyclists of the 1980s. Over his professional career from 1977-1994, Kelly amassed a staggering 193 victories, including multiple wins in prestigious one-day races like Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, and the Tour of Lombardy.
Kelly excelled as a sprinter but also developed into a strong all-round rider capable of winning week-long stage races.
He won the 1988 Vuelta a Espana and had top 5 finishes in all three Grand Tours.
Kelly also won nine Monument classics, one of only six riders to achieve that feat. His consistency and versatility cemented his legacy as one of the greatest classics specialists and most accomplished riders of his era.
Sean Kelly made his mark on the Tour de France primarily through his dominance of the points classification. He won the green jersey an astounding four times (1982, 1983, 1985, 1989), more than any rider in the modern era. Though he never seriously contended for the general classification, Kelly was a constant threat in sprint and transitional stages, racking up five stage wins over his career. His battling with top sprinters for every possible point to claim the green jersey livened up several Tours.
Kelly also spent a day in the fabled yellow jersey during the 1983 Tour after strong riding in the Pyrenees.
While not a GC threat, Kelly’s aggressive riding style, top sprinting speed, and coveted points classification wins made him a fan favourite and central figure at the Tour de France in the 1980s.
Sean Kelly’s Tour de France Highlights
- Kelly made his Tour de France debut in 1978, the same year as Bernard Hinault. The two battled in the sprint on stage 15.
- In 1981, Kelly won the points classification at the Tour, taking 5 second places before winning a stage. His points total was nearly 3 times that of the runner-up Bernard Hinault, who won the overall yellow jersey.
- In 1983, Kelly wore the yellow jersey for one day during stage 10. This was the only time he would wear the yellow jersey in the Tour.
- Kelly won the points classification again in 1983, 1985 and 1989 – the first rider to win it 4 times.
- Over his career, Kelly won 5 stages at the Tour de France.
- His best overall finish was 4th in 1985. That year he battled Stephen Roche for the last podium spot.
- In 1991, Kelly and his entire PDM team abandoned the Tour citing illness, in what later became known as the “Intralipid Affair.”
1978: Tour de France Debut and Stage Victory
In the 1978 Tour de France, Kelly not only participated but also secured a stage victory on Stage 6 (Mazé–Montgeoffroy to Poitiers, 162km, Plain stage), a remarkable accomplishment for a rider in the early years of his professional career. The stage win solidified Kelly’s presence in one of the most prestigious Grand Tours and hinted at the successes that would follow in his illustrious career.
Amidst the backdrop of challenges faced by the Flandria team, including the disqualification of Michel Pollentier from the 1978 Tour de France, Kelly’s performance stood out. His ability to rise above team issues and ride for individual success foreshadowed the resilience that would define his career.
As the 1978 season concluded, Sean Kelly’s trajectory in professional cycling was on a steep upward curve. The stage victories and notable performances in prestigious races laid the foundation for the remarkable achievements that awaited
Sean Kelly’s 1980 Tour de France
In 1980, Kelly showed his potential beyond sprinting by placing 4th overall in the 35th edition of the Vuelta a España. This demonstrated that he had Grand Tour potential beyond just winning individual stages. However, he was still seen primarily as a sprinter who could not contend for the overall title in a major 3-week race like the Tour de France.
When Kelly came to that year’s Tour, he was not considered a GC threat. As usual, his focus was sprinting on the flat and intermediate stages to accumulate points for the green jersey classification. Over the opening week, Kelly took three top 10 stage finishes as he battled the other top sprinters of the era like Rudy Pevenage and Pierino Gavazzi. However, the mountain stages proved more difficult for him and he struggled to keep up with the climbing specialists.
In Stage 19, a crucial Intermediate stage, Sean Kelly, alongside Ismael Lejarreta, outpaced the Peloton, securing a remarkable victory by a margin of 20 seconds. This triumph marked Kelly’s second career stage win, showcasing his sprinting prowess. Despite the stage win, the overall standings remained unchanged as the race headed into the decisive time trial.
The time trial, a pivotal moment in the 1980 Tour, witnessed a dominating performance by Joop Zoetemelk, who clinched victory with only one rider, his teammate Gerrie Knetemann, coming within a minute of his formidable pace. Zoetemelk’s commanding lead, now extended to about 7:00 over second-placed Kuiper, virtually secured his overall victory. Kuiper, along with Joaquim Agostinho, finished in 3rd and 4th positions at plus 1:12 and 1:13, respectively.
As the Tour de France approached its conclusion with Stage 21, a flat stage, Sean Kelly once again demonstrated his sprinting prowess by claiming victory. Despite his impressive performance in the race for the points classification, Kelly finished second to Rudy Pevenage in that category. This edition marked the beginning of Kelly’s consistent success in points classifications, a trend that would continue between 1982 and 1989, with him ultimately securing the classification four times.
In the final sprint of the Tour into Paris, Kelly positioned himself well for another stage win. However, he was narrowly edged out at the finish line by Pol Verschuere, who celebrated his first Tour stage victory on the iconic Champs-Élysées.
Winning A Hilly Stage In 1981 Tour de France
In the challenging hilly terrain of Stage 15 on July 11, 1981, Sean Kelly riding for Wickes–Splendor–Europ Decor exhibited his exceptional cycling prowess during the Tour de France.
Spanning 231 kilometres from Besançon to Thonon-les-Bains, this demanding stage tested the riders’ endurance and climbing abilities.
Despite the hilly nature of the course, Kelly’s strategic and powerful performance allowed him to secure victory, crossing the finish line with a time of 5 hours, 47 minutes, and 7 seconds.
His triumph in this hilly stage showcased not only his sprinting capabilities but also his proficiency in navigating challenging terrains, further solidifying his status as a versatile and accomplished cyclist in the 1981 Tour de France.
Green Jersey Dominance and Stage Glory in the 1982 Tour de France
Sean Kelly’s performance in the 1982 Tour de France was marked by his exceptional abilities, strategic prowess, and consistent performance across various stages.
1. Points Classification Domination:
- Sean Kelly asserted his dominance in the Points Classification, securing the green jersey.
- His success in the sprints and ability to accumulate points positioned him as a formidable competitor in the race for the green jersey.
2. Stage Wins and Overall Standings:
- Kelly’s notable achievements included a stage win on Stage 12, which featured a challenging climb of the Col d’Aubisque.
- His victory in the mountainous stage showcased his versatility as a rider, particularly in challenging terrains.
- Throughout the race, Kelly consistently performed well, maintaining a competitive position in the overall standings.
3. Impact on General Classification:
- While Kelly’s primary focus was on the Points Classification, his overall performance had a significant impact on the general classification.
- Due to time bonuses and strong showings, Kelly moved into the 2nd place overall at certain stages, highlighting his well-rounded capabilities as a rider.
4. Points Competition and Team Dynamics:
- Kelly’s control of the Points Competition was a testament to his sprinting abilities and strategic race approach.
- The dynamics of the Team Time Trial (Stage 5), which faced disruptions, showcased the challenges and unpredictability of professional cycling.
5. Recognition and Achievements:
- Sean Kelly’s success in the 1982 Tour de France contributed to his growing reputation as a versatile and accomplished cyclist.
- The green jersey in the Points Classification was a significant accolade, demonstrating his consistency and excellence throughout the race.
Sean Kelly’s performance in the 1982 Tour de France underscored his versatility, sprinting prowess, and overall impact on the race. His achievements, including stage wins and control of the Points Classification, solidified his status as one of the notable cyclists of that era.
1983: A Day in the Yellow Jersey
During the 1983 Tour de France, Sean Kelly experienced a moment of glory by donning the prestigious yellow jersey for one day.
This occurred on the challenging mountainous stage 10 from Pau to Bagnères-de-Luchon, which featured iconic Pyrenean climbs including the Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin, and Peyresourde.
Wearing the “maillot jaune” (yellow jersey) is a significant achievement in the Tour de France, highlighting the leader of the general classification (GC).
Despite this being the only instance of Kelly wearing the yellow jersey in his Tour de France career, it remains a memorable moment in his cycling legacy.
1984: Fifth In The Tour de France General Classification
Kelly participated in the 1984 Tour de France as part of the Skil–Reydel–Sem–Mavic team. In the general classification, Kelly finished in the highly respectable 5th position, showcasing his competitive prowess throughout the race.
His finishing time was +16’35” behind the winner, Laurent Fignon.
Kelly’s performance in the points classification, where cyclists earn points for finishing well in each stage, was noteworthy. He secured the 2nd position in the points classification with a total of 318 points. The battle for the green jersey, awarded to the leader in the points classification, highlighted Kelly’s consistency and strength in various stages.
Additionally, Sean Kelly’s role in the intermediate sprints classification is evident. He accumulated 47 points in the intermediate sprints, contributing to his overall success in the points classification. Kelly’s versatility and sprinting abilities were key assets during the flat stages and intermediate sprints, earning him recognition in these classifications.
Triumphs and Trials in the 1985 Tour de France
Sean Kelly’s 1985 Tour de France was marked by a series of notable achievements and challenges. In the lead-up to the Tour, he secured victories in Paris–Nice and three stage wins at the Vuelta a España. However, the spring classics season presented frustrations, with third place at Paris–Roubaix and fourth at Liège–Bastogne–Liège. Tactical decisions, such as poor choices in Milan–San Remo, affected his chances of winning.
During the 1985 Tour de France, Kelly engaged in a fierce rivalry with Eric Vanderaerden. The intense competition reached a climax in the sixth stage in Reims, where a sprint altercation led to Kelly pushing Vanderaerden. Despite the challenges, Kelly finished fourth overall, engaging in a battle for the podium with Stephen Roche. The Irish press increasingly covered their performances, expanding interest in the race.
Kelly’s prowess in the points classification was evident as he won it for the third time. The 1985 Tour introduced changes to the points system, with equal points awarded across all stages. Sean Kelly’s 434 points represented 69.4% of the maximum possible.
The race entered the high mountains in the Alps and Pyrenees, where Kelly faced tough competition. Luis Herrera’s dominance in the mountains classification added another layer of complexity. Stage 17 saw a memorable incident with Greg LeMond feeling betrayed by his team’s decision not to let him work with Roche, impacting his chances to win the Tour.
His final standing was 6 minutes and 26 seconds behind the winner, Bernard Hinault. This placed Kelly fourth in the GC. This marked another impressive showing for Kelly in this prestigious cycling event.
Sean Kelly showcased his sprinting prowess by securing the green jersey for the points classification. He accumulated a total of 434 points, outperforming his rivals. During the final stages, Kelly displayed his competitiveness in the bunch sprints. In Stage 19 to Bordeaux, he finished second in a closely contested sprint, narrowly losing to Vanderaerden. In the final sprint of the Tour into Paris, Kelly secured second place, adding another strong finish to his remarkable performance.
Crashing Out Of The 1986 Tour de France
Sean Kelly’s 1986 season was a remarkable one, despite the devastating crash he suffered in the final stage of the Tour de Suisse. Despite being unable to participate in the Tour de France, Kelly went on to win Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, and the Tour of the Basque Country. He also finished second in the Tour of Flanders and third in the Vuelta a España.
Kelly’s victory in Milan-San Remo was particularly impressive. He was being closely marked by his main rival, Eric Vanderaerden, in the closing stages of the race. However, Kelly feigned a mechanical problem before sprinting away to join the lead group, and then drove hard on the front to prevent Niki Rüttimann from linking up with the front group. Kelly won the three-up sprint at the finish.
Kelly’s victory in Paris-Roubaix was even more remarkable. He had agreed to help his rival, Adri van der Poel, win the Tour of Flanders in exchange for van der Poel’s help in Paris-Roubaix. In Flanders, Kelly rode on the front of the leading group in the closing stages of the race, which also included van der Poel, Jean-Philippe Vandenbrande, and Steve Bauer. After Flanders, Kelly flew to Spain to race the Tour of the Basque Country, which he won, before flying north to compete in Paris-Roubaix. Roles were reversed as Kelly followed van der Poel in latching onto an attack from Ferdi Van Den Haute on a late cobbled secteur to form another four-man group along with Rudy Dhaenens. Van Den Haute attacked again a kilometre from the race finish – which was located away from Roubaix Velodrome for the first time since 1943 – and once again van der Poel led Kelly out in the sprint, enabling the latter to cross the line first.
To date, Kelly is one of only four riders to win the double of Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix in the same year. He also finished on the podium in the Vuelta a España for the first time, and won more than 30 victories in total across the season.
Kelly’s 1986 season was a testament to his incredible talent and versatility. He was able to excel in both one-day classics and stage races, and he was a formidable opponent in any type of race. His success in 1986 cemented his position as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
Retiring From The 1987 Tour de France
Sean Kelly’s 1987 cycling season was a tale of both triumphs and setbacks. He started the year by winning Paris–Nice, a major stage race in Europe, on the final day after his teammate and rival Stephen Roche suffered a puncture. This victory was a significant achievement for Kelly, who was considered one of the best cyclists of his generation.
However, Kelly’s fortunes took a turn for the worse later in the year. He was leading the Vuelta a España, another major stage race, with just three days to go when he was forced to retire due to a severe saddle sore. This was a major disappointment for Kelly, who had been hoping to add the Vuelta title to his collection.
To add insult to injury, Kelly then suffered a fractured collarbone in a crash during the Tour de France, forcing him to withdraw from the race. This was the second time in his career that Kelly had been forced to abandon the Tour due to injury.
Despite these setbacks, Kelly was able to salvage some success in 1987. He finished fifth in the Road World Championships Elite Men’s Road Race, and he won the Nissan Classic for the third consecutive year. This was a testament to his resilience and determination.
Overall, Sean Kelly’s 1987 season was a mixed bag. He experienced both highs and lows, but he ultimately showed his class by winning several major races. He remains one of the most respected cyclists of all time, and his achievements in 1987 are a testament to his talent and perseverance.
A Mixed Bag In 1988
Sean Kelly’s 1988 Tour de France was a mixed bag. He started the race in good form, having won his seventh consecutive Paris–Nice in the spring of 1988, a record. He also won Gent–Wevelgem several weeks later.
However, he struggled in the mountains and eventually finished 46th overall, just over an hour behind winner, Spaniard Pedro Delgado. Kelly later admitted that he was no longer a contender for overall victory.
Despite his overall disappointment, Kelly did manage third in the green jersey points classification in the 1988 Tour de France.
Overall, 1988 was a year of mixed fortunes for Sean Kelly. He won some important races, but he also struggled in the mountains and failed to achieve his goal of winning the Tour de France.
1989: A Strong Come Back
Sean Kelly had a strong showing in the 1989 Tour de France. He finished in 9th place overall, won the points classification, won the intermediate sprints classification, and came third in the combined classification.
Kelly’s performance was particularly impressive given that he was not a strong climber. He was able to succeed in the mountains by attacking on descents and by gaining time in the time trials.
Kelly finished the Tour de France in ninth place overall. He was 18 minutes and 25 seconds behind the winner, Greg LeMond, who posted a time of 87 hours, 38 minutes, and 35 seconds.
1990: 5th in Final Sprint Points Classification
Sean Kelly was one of the possible pre-race favourites for the 1990 Tour de France. He had just won the Tour de Suisse and was in good form. However, the press generally believed he would be working for Erik Breukink, who was also a favourite.
Greg LeMond won the 77th Tour de France with a time of 90 hours 43 minutes 20 seconds.
At 34 years old, Kelly crossed the finish line in 30th overall, with time of + 38 minutes 42 seconds.
With 116 points, Kelly took 5th place in the Final points classification.
1991: An Intralipid Affair
Sean Kelly’s 1991 Tour de France was marred by controversy when the entire PDM team, including Kelly, abandoned the race after all riders came down with a mysterious illness. The team later claimed that the illness was caused by contaminated intralipid infusions, a treatment that was being used to prevent dehydration.
The Intralipid Affair, as it came to be known, led to a major investigation into the team’s medical practices. However, no definitive proof was ever found to link the illness to the intralipids, and the team was never officially sanctioned.
In the aftermath of the affair, Kelly was fiercely criticised by some in the cycling world. However, he maintained his innocence and continued to race at the highest level for several more years.
1992: Final Tour de France Finish
Despite winning the Giro di Lombardia the previous year, Kelly was now considered past his prime.
Joining Lotus–Festina, Kelly targeted Milan–San Remo. During the race, Moreno Argentin, the favorite, attacked on the Poggio climb, establishing a lead. Kelly made a decisive move in the descent, overtaking Argentin in the final kilometers and securing a solo victory, marking his final Classic triumph.
Kelly’s final finish in the Tour de France came in at 43rd in the GC, with a time of +1 hour 21 minutes 37 seconds off Spaniard Miguel Induráin’s 100 hours 49 minutes 30 seconds.
Life After The Tour de France
Sean Kelly has remained deeply engaged with the Tour de France and cycling in general since retiring from professional cycling in 1994. His involvement encompasses various roles and initiatives, demonstrating his unwavering passion for the sport and his commitment to fostering a vibrant cycling community.
TV Commentator: Kelly’s insightful commentary and expert analysis on the Tour de France have earned him the title of “Rolls-Royce of commentators.” His vast knowledge and understanding of the sport provide valuable insights for viewers worldwide.
Patron of Cycling Teams: Kelly has actively supported aspiring cyclists by serving as a patron for various teams, including Garmin-Sharp and Deceuninck–Quick-Step. His guidance and support have played a significant role in developing young talent and promoting cycling on a global scale.
Cycling Ambassador: Kelly is a passionate advocate for cycling, actively promoting the sport to a broader audience. He participates in events, delivers speeches, and contributes to cycling publications, inspiring and encouraging people to embrace cycling as a lifestyle.
Cycling Expert: Kelly’s expertise is widely sought after across the cycling realm. He regularly appears on podcasts, contributes to magazines, and provides commentary on various cycling topics. His insights and opinions are highly valued within the cycling community.
Charity Supporter: Kelly’s dedication extends beyond professional cycling. He actively participates in charity cycling events organised by Blazing Saddles, raising funds for the blind and visually impaired. His involvement in these endeavours demonstrates his philanthropic spirit.
Cycling Events Organizer: Kelly’s entrepreneurial spirit has led to the establishment of the Sean Kelly Cycling Academy in Belgium, a training ground for aspiring cyclists. He also launched Ireland’s first professional cycling team, Sean Kelly ACLVB–M.Donnelly, further nurturing young talent.
Charity Endurance Events: Kelly’s passion for cycling knows no bounds. He has embarked on long-distance charity cycling tours, including a cross-America journey in 2000, and participates in endurance events across Europe. His commitment to these endeavours exemplifies his dedication to charitable causes.
Sport Active Cycling Holidays: Kelly actively promotes cycling vacations with SportActive, providing cycling enthusiasts with opportunities to explore Mallorca’s scenic routes. His involvement fosters a sense of community and encourages people to embrace the joy of cycling travel.
Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford: Kelly spearheaded the creation of the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford, a cycling event that attracted thousands of participants. This initiative demonstrates his commitment to promoting cycling at a grassroots level.
Sean Kelly’s legacy beyond his professional cycling career is remarkable. His involvement in various capacities – TV commentator, cycling team patron, ambassador, expert, charity supporter, event organiser, and tourism promoter – has had a profound impact on the Tour de France, cycling as a sport, and the cycling community worldwide. His passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication to the sport are an inspiration to all cyclists.
Find Out More About Cycling Legend Sean Kelly
As one of the all time Cycling greats, there is a plethora of information for further reading. Here are just a few interesting links:
- Wikipedia: This article provides a comprehensive overview of Kelly’s life and career, including his accomplishments, accolades, and personal life. You can read it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Kelly
- Sean Kelly Cycling Academy: This official website of the Sean Kelly Cycling Academy offers insights into Kelly’s training program, cycling philosophy, and the academy’s mission to develop young talent. You can visit the website here: https://www.seankellycycling.com/
- Cycling News: This website has a dedicated section on Sean Kelly, featuring news articles, interviews, and in-depth profiles of his career. You can explore the articles and profiles here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=p61xBJk6EzA
- Bicycle Magazine: This cycling magazine has published numerous articles on Sean Kelly, highlighting his achievements and analyzing his riding style. You can find some of the articles here: https://www.seankellycycling.com/blog
- Eurosport: Kelly is a regular commentator on Eurosport’s cycling coverage. You can watch his commentary on the Tour de France and other major races here: https://www.eurosport.com/cycling/tour-de-france/2020/i-was-close-to-shedding-a-tear-too-sean-kelly-opens-up-on-sam-bennetts-stage-win_vid1348856/video.shtml