Sean Kelly

NationalityIrish
BornMay 24, 1956 in Carrick-on-Suir, Ireland
Height1.81 m
Weight72 kg
DisciplineRoad
RoleRider
Professional Years1977 – 1994
TeamsSplendor (1977-1978), Sem (1979-1983), Skil-Sem (1984-1985), Kas (1986-1987), PDM-Concorde (1988-1991), Festina-Lotus (1992-1994)
Major Wins193

Sean Kelly is a retired Irish professional road racing cyclist who was born in 1956 in Carrick-on-Suir, Ireland. He was a prolific winner, amassing 193 professional victories over his career. Kelly was a multi-sport cyclist who excelled in one-day classics, stage events, and sprints.

Kelly began his professional career in 1977 with the Belgian team Splendor. He soon established himself as a powerful rider, winning the Grand Prix d’Isbergues in 1978, the first of many races he would win throughout his career. Kelly joined the Sem team in 1979 and won his first classic event, the Paris-Roubaix, in 1984. Kelly also won Paris-Nice, the Tour of Switzerland, Milan-San Remo, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Giro di Lombardia.

Kelly was recognized for his strong, tenacious racing style and ability to win in any situation. He excelled in cold, rainy weather, winning several of his most important races under such conditions. Kelly was also a talented sprinter who won numerous group sprint competitions.

Kelly withdrew from professional cycling at the age of 38 in 1994. After retiring, he worked for Eurosport as a cycling pundit and analyst. In 2007, Kelly was inducted into the Cycling Hall of Fame.

Sean Kelly’s Most Important Achievements:

YearAchievement
19831st place in Milan-San Remo
19841st place in Paris-Roubaix
19851st place in Liège-Bastogne-Liège
19861st place in Paris-Nice
19871st place in the Tour of Switzerland
19891st place in the Amstel Gold Race
19921st place in the Tour de Romandie

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