The inevitable march: A vintage Primož Roglič performance at Volta a Catalunya - Philippa York analysis

Primož Roglič at the Volta a Catalunya
Primož Roglič at the Volta a Catalunya (Image credit: Getty Images)

Every once in a while, we are reminded of the basics of professional cycling. The riders who set the standards of stardom are there because they don’t like losing and at certain races a new face emerges who is beginning their quest of climbing the slippery slope to be one of those stars. 

An event about a week in length is the ideal platform for these circumstances, not too long that they become a trial of endurance but not limited to one type of athlete. A bit of flat, a bit of climbing, some varied terrain and a time trial that’s 20-30 minutes of suffering. 

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. 

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.