ITV cycling commentator Phil Liggett, who has called the action at the Tour de France for over 40 years, surprised St Albans villagers when he popped in to a coffee shop for a cuppa and a chat.

The former journalist and international cycling commentator spoke to a large crowd at The Hub in Redbourn last Tuesday about disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong.

Phil, who has known the cycling champion for many years, spoke of his shock and disappointment after Armstrong admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs.

The commentator was grilled by the audience and answered many controversial questions about Armstrong, saying that he had no idea the Tour de France star had been doping.

A spokeswoman for The Hub – a pit stop for cycling professionals and amateurs – said she was thrilled that Phil had labelled the shop’s coffee as “the best in Herts”.