Philippa York

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

CENIS, FRANCE - JUNE 15: (L-R) Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark and Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and UAE Team Emirates - XRG - Yellow leader jersey crosses the finish line during the 77th Criterium du Dauphine 2025, Stage 8 a 133.3km stage from Val-d'Arc to Plateau du Mont-Cenis 2095m / #UCIWT / on June 15, 2025 in Plateau du Mont-Cenis, France. (Photo by Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)

It's Round Five in the epic Vingegaard-Pogačar duel - Philippa York analysis

By Philippa York published

Philippa York takes a close look at form, tactics and team strengths ahead of the major battle at the 2025 Tour de France

Retired cyclist Philippa York stands in front of a soft background wearing a blue shirt

On the road with Philippa York and David Walsh – 'The Escape: The Tour, the Cyclist and Me' book extract

By Philippa York published

Extract York and Walsh discuss the Tour de France, gender in sport, doping, and much more in wide-ranging new book

Extract
2025 Giro d'Italia stage 20: Simon Yates on the rampage

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?

Analysis
EF Education - EasyPost's Ecuadorian rider Richard Carapaz ride in the breakaway in the ascent of San Valentino during the 16th stage of the 108th Giro d'Italia cycling race of 203kms from Piazzola sul Brenta to San Valentino on May 27, 2025. (Photo by Luca Bettini / AFP) (Photo by LUCA BETTINI/AFP via Getty Images)

Welcome to climbing school at the Giro d'Italia - Philippa York analysis

By Philippa York published

Stage 16 framed the tactics and skills of Grand Tour racing perfectly. Philippa York analyses exactly how the climbers fared

2025 Giro d'Italia: race leader Isaac del Toro (1-L) and Primoz Roglič (4-L) during stage 15

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

Analysis
Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe's Slovenian rider Primoz Roglic prepares before the 6th stage of the 108th Giro d'Italia cycling race 227kms from Potenza to Naples on May 15, 2025. (Photo by Luca Bettini / AFP)

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

Analysis
Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe's Slovenian rider Primoz Roglic wearing the overall leader's pink jersey (Maglia Rosa) waves on the podium after the second stage of the 108th Giro d'Italia cycling race, a 13.7km individual time-trial from Tirana to Tirana in Albania, on May 10, 2025. (Photo by Luca Bettini / AFP)

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

Analysis
Primož Roglič at the Volta a Catalunya

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

Analysis
Matteo Jorgenson wins Paris-Nice for the second year running

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

Analysis
Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)

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

Analysis
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