
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

Philippa York's Giro d'Italia favourites
By Philippa York last updated
Feature York runs her expert eye over Bernal, Yates, Landa, Evenepoel and more

Philippa York: USA Cycling CEO's response to Arkansas anti-transgender laws is unacceptable
By Philippa York published
Opinion 'Just because you think you aren't affected doesn't make something OK'

Dave Brailsford needs to take responsibility over Freeman case
By Philippa York published
Feature Philippa York says questions remain for the man at the top

Philippa York: Pro cycling can be a toxic place for an athlete's long-term well-being
By Philippa York published
Comment Understanding the pressures of professional cycling, both mental and physical

Philippa York: Everyone's a winner in Mark Cavendish's move to Deceuninck-QuickStep
By Philippa York published
Analysis 30-time Tour de France stage winner offers experience and exposure

Philippa York's Tour de France analysis: Goosebumps
By Philippa York last updated
Analysis Shades of the 1989 Tour's final time trial as Pogacar snatches victory from Roglic

Philippa York's Tour de France winners and losers
By Philippa York published
Analysis From Pogacar and Hirschi to Ineos and Sagan

Philippa York's Tour de France analysis: The perfect riposte from Ineos Grenadiers
By Philippa York last updated
Analysis Talk of their demise was premature
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Latest on Cyclingnews
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The Jonas Vingegaard vs João Almeida battle is fifty-fifty going into Vuelta a España final week – Philippa York analysis
Philippa York breaks down the last week of racing, and what it all means for the GC battle brewing in Spain -
Surrounded by challengers, but dynamic Jonas Vingegaard is on top of the Vuelta a España – Philippa York analysis
York breaks down the GC situation on the first rest day, what's going wrong at UAE, and who is in contention for the podium -
The fascination of the three amigos GC battle - Philippa York Vuelta a España analysis
Jonas Vingegaard is the overall favourite but can João Almeida and Juan Ayuso combine to beat him?
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Two good, two bad, too late – Philippa York analyses the tactical miscalculations of the key stages of the 2025 Tour de France
From a masterclass on Ventoux to mismanagement on the queen stage, Philippa York takes a deep dive into the decisions that gifted Pogačar his vast margin. -
Tadej Pogačar dominates in the Pyrenees and again writes the race script - Philippa York Tour de France analysis
UAE have now won 65 times in 2025 and won five stages in this year's Tour de France, surely there are more to come before Paris -
Ten days of trauma in the battle against Pogačar - Philippa York Tour de France analysis
Pogačar may seem unstoppable, but down a key lieutenant and with Visma-Lease a Bike at full strength, we have an interesting race ahead
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It's Round Five in the epic Vingegaard-Pogačar duel - Philippa York analysis
Philippa York takes a close look at form, tactics and team strengths ahead of the major battle at the 2025 Tour de France -
On the road with Philippa York and David Walsh – 'The Escape: The Tour, the Cyclist and Me' book extract
York and Walsh discuss the Tour de France, gender in sport, doping, and much more in wide-ranging new book -
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?