Phillipa York, formerly known as Robert Millar, is a former professional road racing cyclist from Scotland. She was born on September 13, 1958, in Glasgow, Scotland. Millar had a successful career in cycling during the 1980s and early 1990s, particularly excelling in climbing stages and mountainous terrain.
Here are some key points about Phillipa York:
- Cycling Career: Phillipa York competed as a professional cyclist from 1980 to 1995. She rode for several prominent teams throughout her career, including Peugeot, Panasonic, and Le Groupement.
- Specialization in Climbing: York was known for her exceptional climbing abilities and became one of the best climbers in the peloton during her era. She often performed well in challenging mountain stages and Grand Tours.
- Grand Tours: York participated in various Grand Tours, including the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España. Her best performance came in the 1984 Vuelta a España, where she finished in second place overall, becoming the first British rider to achieve such a feat in a Grand Tour.
- Major Achievements: In addition to her success at the Vuelta a España, York had other notable achievements. She won the King of the Mountains classification at the Tour de France in 1984 and also claimed stage victories in both the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia.
- Gender Transition: After retiring from professional cycling, York publicly announced her gender transition in 2000. She underwent gender reassignment surgery and changed her name from Robert Millar to Phillipa York.
- Commentator and Writer: Following her transition, Phillipa York has remained involved in the cycling world as a commentator and writer. She has provided insightful analysis and commentary for various cycling events and has contributed articles to cycling publications.
- Impact and Legacy: Phillipa York's career and gender transition have had a significant impact on the cycling community. Her openness about her gender identity has helped raise awareness and promote acceptance of transgender individuals in the sport.
Phillipa York's cycling career and her subsequent gender transition make her a notable figure in the history of professional cycling. Her achievements on the bike and her personal journey continue to inspire and pave the way for greater inclusivity in the sport.