Trans author wins William Hill Sports Book Award with ‘human story’ on cycling and transition

Pippa York, formerly professional cyclist Robert Millar, has won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award for The Escape: The Tour, the Cyclist and Me, co-written with Irish sports journalist David Walsh.

The William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award is the world’s longest established and most valuable literary sports-writing prize.

The book tells three intertwined stories: the career of Robert Millar, Ms York’s transition, and a shared journey covering the Tour de France with Mr Walsh. Mr Walsh said their aim was to tell a human story beyond political debates.

Speaking after receiving just over €34,000 (£30,000) prize and trophy alongside Mr Walsh, she said: “Hopefully The Escape shows transgender people as respectable and ordinary. We’re just human beings, we’re normal people. In everyday life, I’m in the supermarket or on a train home like everyone else – there’s nothing scary about being a trans person.”

“The political climate has changed for the worse and unfortunately become controversial.”

Co-author Mr Walsh added: “The aim for The Escape was to leave the political debates aside – we just wanted to tell a human story. It’s about two people who love the Tour de France, forming a friendship and understanding. I want readers to come with an open mind.”

For Mr Walsh, this award is especially meaningful. He was shortlisted in 2013 but says winning with Ms York makes it even better.

“Reaching the summit is great but reaching it with someone else is even better. We had so much fun on the Tour de France – joy, laughter and stimulating conversation. During the long drives at night, I would ask Pippa questions about her life and transition that I’d never have asked in the cold light of day.”

“I’d had an unrequited love affair with Robert Millar in a way. I admired him so much – this beautiful climber who looked so natural on the bike. But when I got near him, he scowled like a dog, and I backed off. I regret that. So, when I met Pippa decades later and we hit it off, I thought she’d be a wonderful companion on the Tour and it gave me the chance to understand Robert Millar properly. I asked so many questions and Pippa said he was still a part of her but she’s no longer him. That honesty was a huge part of the journey.”

Featured Image: William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award