
Philippa York
Philippa York is a long-standing Cyclingnews contributor, providing expert racing analysis. As one of the early British racers to take the plunge and relocate to France with the famed ACBB club in the 1980's, she was the inspiration for a generation of racing cyclists – and cycling fans – from the UK.
The Glaswegian gained a contract with Peugeot in 1980, making her Tour de France debut in 1983 and taking a solo win in Bagnères-de-Luchon in the Pyrenees, the mountain range which would prove a happy hunting ground throughout her Tour career.
The following year's race would prove to be one of her finest seasons, becoming the first rider from the UK to win the polka dot jersey at the Tour, whilst also becoming Britain's highest-ever placed GC finisher with 4th spot.
She finished runner-up at the Vuelta a España in 1985 and 1986, to Pedro Delgado and Álvaro Pino respectively, and at the Giro d'Italia in 1987. Stage race victories include the Volta a Catalunya (1985), Tour of Britain (1989) and Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré (1990). York retired from professional cycling as reigning British champion following the collapse of Le Groupement in 1995.
Latest articles by

Day dreaming: how the 2025 Giro d'Italia was lost and won - Philippa York analysis
By Philippa York published
Analysis What were the keys to Simon Yates' dramatic last-minute turnaround of fortune in the Giro's GC battle?

The snakes and ladders game of the 2025 Giro d'Italia GC challengers - Philippa York analysis
By Philippa York published
Analysis The ultramountainous third week of the Giro d'Italia is about to begin, but the race has already seen some major, unexpected developments

Surrounded and outnumbered, Primož Roglič is in a Giro d'Italia conundrum - Philippa York analysis
By Philippa York published
Analysis Philippa York examines just what the options are to recapture lost minutes through the second week of racing in Italy

Roglič on top and Mads the magnificent at the Giro d'Italia - Philippa York analysis
By Philippa York published
Analysis Philippa York casts her eye over the big winners and those who impressed during the Giro's flying visit to Albania

The inevitable march: A vintage Primož Roglič performance at Volta a Catalunya - Philippa York analysis
By Philippa York published
Analysis Seven-day race offered a test of mental and physical resistance, and a reminder of the basics of professional cycling

How Matteo Jorgenson and Visma-Lease a Bike dominated Paris-Nice despite Jonas Vingegaard's crash – Philippa York analysis
By Philippa York published
Analysis American rider takes command for Visma-Lease a Bike to defend Race to the Sun title, shows great form ahead of the Classics

Primož Roglič's Vuelta a España victory was inevitable - Philippa York's analysis
By Philippa York published
Analysis Ben O'Connor was courageous and defiant but the Slovenian was always going to win his fourth Vuelta
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Latest on Cyclingnews
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Day dreaming: how the 2025 Giro d'Italia was lost and won - Philippa York analysis
What were the keys to Simon Yates' dramatic last-minute turnaround of fortune in the Giro's GC battle? -
Welcome to climbing school at the Giro d'Italia - Philippa York analysis
Stage 16 framed the tactics and skills of Grand Tour racing perfectly. Philippa York analyses exactly how the climbers fared -
The snakes and ladders game of the 2025 Giro d'Italia GC challengers - Philippa York analysis
The ultramountainous third week of the Giro d'Italia is about to begin, but the race has already seen some major, unexpected developments
-
Surrounded and outnumbered, Primož Roglič is in a Giro d'Italia conundrum - Philippa York analysis
Philippa York examines just what the options are to recapture lost minutes through the second week of racing in Italy -
Roglič on top and Mads the magnificent at the Giro d'Italia - Philippa York analysis
Philippa York casts her eye over the big winners and those who impressed during the Giro's flying visit to Albania -
The inevitable march: A vintage Primož Roglič performance at Volta a Catalunya - Philippa York analysis
Seven-day race offered a test of mental and physical resistance, and a reminder of the basics of professional cycling
-
How Matteo Jorgenson and Visma-Lease a Bike dominated Paris-Nice despite Jonas Vingegaard's crash – Philippa York analysis
American rider takes command for Visma-Lease a Bike to defend Race to the Sun title, shows great form ahead of the Classics -
Primož Roglič's Vuelta a España victory was inevitable - Philippa York's analysis
Ben O'Connor was courageous and defiant but the Slovenian was always going to win his fourth Vuelta -
Vuelta a España humble pie - Ben O'Connor makes his rivals and critics eat a slice of humility before week three showdown
Philippa York analyses the tactical battle as Roglič, Mas and Landa try but fail to crack the Australian