Count Talleyrand-Périgord was a close friend of Pierre de Coubertin’s family, which led to his invitation to become an IOC Member. He served on the IOC for only a bit over three years, attending one IOC Session. His main sporting interest was automobile racing, and he helped found the German Automobile Club and the Berlin Motor Show. His family had substantial land holdings in Silesia and Count Talleyrand-Périgord later pursued a military career. He joined the Prussian Army in 1864 and was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel by 1900.