Alain de Cadenet was a man of many talents and passions. He was a racing driver, a car constructor, a stamp collector, and a television presenter. He was known for his charisma, his adventurous spirit, and his love of speed. He died on July 1, 2022, at the age of 76, after a long battle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare type of cancer that affects the bile ducts. Here is a brief overview of his life and achievements, as well as the cause of his death.
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Early Life and Career
De Cadenet was born on November 27, 1945, in London, to a French air force lieutenant and an English actress. He attended Framlingham College in Suffolk, but did not pursue a formal education. Instead, he worked as a fashion and music photographer for pirate radio stations in the 1960s.
He developed an interest in racing after attending a race meeting at Brands Hatch, where he was impressed by the glamour and excitement of the sport. He bought his first racing car, an AC Ace, and obtained a racing license on the spot. He soon switched to sports car racing, driving various models of Porsche, Ferrari, and Alfa Romeo.
Le Mans and De Cadenet Cars
De Cadenet’s dream was to race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the most prestigious endurance race in the world. He made his debut in 1971, driving a Ferrari 512M. He returned the following year with a car of his own design, sponsored by Duckhams Oil. The car was built by Gordon Murray, who later became famous for designing Formula One cars for Brabham and McLaren.
The De Cadenet cars were low-budget but competitive, often challenging the works teams of Porsche, Ferrari, and Renault. De Cadenet’s best result at Le Mans was third overall in 1976, co-driving with Chris Craft. He also won two rounds of the World Sportscar Championship in 1980, partnering with Desiré Wilson, one of the few female drivers to compete at that level.
Television Career and Stamp Collection
After retiring from racing in 1986, De Cadenet became a successful television presenter and broadcaster. He hosted several shows for Speed Channel, ESPN, and Velocity Channel, covering various aspects of motorsport history and culture. He interviewed legendary drivers such as Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss, and Jackie Stewart. He also drove vintage racing cars and discussed their features and performance.
De Cadenet was also an avid stamp collector, specializing in King George V stamps. He advised the Royal Mail and the Queen on their collections. He was considered one of the world’s leading experts on this topic.
Alain de Cadenet Cause of Death: Cholangiocarcinoma
De Cadenet died on July 1, 2022, in California, where he had moved with his third wife, Alison Larmon. He had been diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in 2019. This is a rare type of cancer that originates in the bile ducts, which are tubes that carry bile from the liver to the intestine. Bile is a fluid that helps digest fats.
The symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itching, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fever. The exact causes of this cancer are unknown, but some risk factors include liver diseases such as hepatitis B or C, bile duct inflammation or infection (cholangitis), bile duct stones (choledocholithiasis), or exposure to certain chemicals or parasites.
The treatment options for cholangiocarcinoma depend on the stage and location of the tumor. They may include surgery to remove part or all of the bile ducts or liver (hepatectomy), chemotherapy to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors (gemcitabine or cisplatin), radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells or relieve symptoms (external beam radiation or brachytherapy), or targeted therapy to block specific molecules that help cancer cells grow or spread (sorafenib or erlotinib).
The prognosis for cholangiocarcinoma is generally poor, as it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when it has spread to other organs (metastasis). The five-year survival rate for this cancer is about 15%. However, some patients may live longer with appropriate treatment and palliative care.
Legacy and Tributes
De Cadenet’s death was mourned by many fans and friends from the motorsport community. He was remembered as a swashbuckling racer who took on the giants of the sport with his own cars and as a charming and knowledgeable presenter who shared his passion for cars with millions of viewers.
Some of the tributes that were paid to him include:
- “Alain was a true original, a man who lived life to the full and brought joy to many. He was a great friend and a wonderful storyteller. He will be sorely missed.” – Sir Jackie Stewart, three-time Formula One world champion, according to The Guardian.
- “Alain was one of the most charismatic and entertaining people I have ever met. He had a great sense of humor and a zest for life. He was also a very talented driver and constructor, who achieved remarkable results with his own cars. He was a legend of Le Mans and a great ambassador for the sport.” – Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the organizer of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, according to Autosport.
- “Alain was a dear friend and a mentor to me. He taught me so much about racing, cars, and history. He was always generous with his time and his knowledge. He had a unique style and a brilliant mind. He was a Renaissance man in every sense of the word.” – Donald Osborne, co-host of Renaissance Man with Alain de Cadenet, according to Hagerty.
De Cadenet is survived by his wife Alison and his three children from previous marriages: Alexander, Amanda, and Maxime. He also had two grandchildren. His funeral was held on July 8, 2022, in Los Angeles.
