Who is Philippa York? Only one of the greatest British cyclists of all time in her previous life as Robert Millar, who has announced her new identity. I attach a link from the Guardian (where else?) with a supportive article for those who want to read it. My only comment, I hope you're as successful in your new life as you were in the old.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jul/06/philippa-york-...
Comments
You beat me to it!
I read the article about Philippa York this morning over breakfast in the paper version of the G.
I'm certainly not at all surprised.
We were in Benidorm with our bikes in February 2000 and in the second week Robert Millar turned up leading a training camp for amateur racing cyclists. We seized the chance to have a chat with him as the last time we had seen him was when he was leading a mountain stage (Col de la Bonette) in the TdF a few years earlier. He admitted that he didn't go out with the most experienced group because he was well aware they'd do anything to rip the legs off a former winner of the polka dot jersey and he wasn't as fit as formerly. He certainly looked quite different from how he'd looked when he was racing as a pro bike rider and to my eyes it looked as though he was already in transition. Though I'm certainly no expert, like everyone here, I'm aware of the effects of hormone therapy.
Good luck to her. So far I've been watching the Tour on Eurosport Player on my PC perhaps I'll give ITV4 a try and change the dulcet tones of Sean Kelly to those of Philippa York.
Robi
ITV4 Commentary
At the moment the commentary is by Ned Boulting and David Millar, so you might be disappointed!
Penny
I noticed!
David Millar's (Miller's?) voice is quite distinctive so I wasn't fooled :) I did try ITV4 Player but the HD level Eurosport looks better on my PC so I went back to it. We haven't owned a TV in all the 50 years of our marriage mainly because it's such a time waster as I'm finding in my dotage now we broadband internet :)
We used to have to cycle to France to watch the Tour now the whole thing is available from my desk chair.
Robi
York
I read this on the Beeb, not having a telly, and was also reminded of all the speculation years ago. I have linked the story to my network and stressed the bits about greater knowledge and acceptance--it's what we all work for.
As for the Tour, S4C are streaming it in Welsh on Bookface, and you don't need a tellybox licence or subscription for S4C
there
Have been lots of rumours for a long time, it's not a surprise.
Indeed the book, 'Searching for Robert Millar' pretty much came to that conclusion.
I'd like to think that the sport is 'big' enough to accept her no questions. - wonder how those that she raced against will take being beaten by a girl!
Mixed field Madisons are on the way so how long before the mixed teams alluded to in Gaby Futures become a reality? I'm sure Phillipa would allow a smile at that.
Hope she gets more pundit work - I'm sure she's better than that awful Balding woman and the stupid Australian woman.
Good luck Ms York, now you're out your fans want to see you being lauded as you should be.
Madeline Anafrid Bell
Gaby in really life?
I resisted referring the Guardian's article till those I felt more competent to do so. After all, with Angharad, Maddy, and cyclist as regular writers, it would have been impertinent to try to steal their thunder.