Former Tour de France cyclist Pippa York and renowned Irish sports journalist David Walsh have been crowned winners of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2025 for their compelling memoir The Escape: The Tour, the Cyclist and Me. The announcement marks a major moment for both cycling literature and LGBTQ+ representation in sport.
A Landmark Win for Cycling and Memoir Writing
The Escape follows the pair’s journeys through recent editions of the Tour de France, intertwining themes of doping, gender identity, and sports psychology. York also reflects on her 11 Tours as Robert Millar, offering readers unprecedented insight into the emotional and physical toll of elite cycling.
York, born in Glasgow and widely considered one of Britain’s most successful road cyclists, secures the award with her debut book—making it only the fifth cycling title ever to claim the prestigious trophy.
Her co-writer Walsh joins a line of Irish winners, following last year’s victory by Conor Niland for The Racket, co-written with journalist Gavin Cooney. Learn more about the award at William Hill’s official site: https://news.williamhill.com/
What the Authors Said
Reacting to the win, York shared:
“I’m quite surprised to win the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award, but very pleased. I have to thank David for his insight into my life, my situation and his understanding. Writing this book was emotional and at times difficult.”
Walsh added:
“It feels amazing to win… This is an important book because it shows that people in Pippa’s situation are human beings. She was maybe the single most wonderful human being I travelled with on the Tour. For the book to win the greatest prize in sports writing—it’s overwhelming.”
Alongside the trophy, York and Walsh will also share the £30,000 prize.
Why The Escape Stood Out
The judging panel—chaired by sports writer Alyson Rudd and featuring Clarke Carlisle, Gabby Logan, Elis James, Dame Heather Rabbatts, Mark Lawson and Michelle Walder—selected The Escape from a strong shortlist of seven titles.
Rudd praised the memoir as:
“A tour de force which explored both the troubled past of cycling and Pippa’s personal journey, told through a travelogue style that emphasised the beauty and history of one of sport’s greatest spectacles.”
The 2025 Shortlist: A Year of Exceptional Sports Writing
This year’s shortlist showcased a diverse range of sports and storytelling styles. Among the nominees were:
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Finding the Edge – the autobiography of Sir James Anderson, co-written with The Maccabees’ Felix White
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Ultra Women – Lily Canter & Emma Wilkinson
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States of Play – Miguel Delaney (The Independent)
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The Last Bell – Donald McRae (two-time winner)
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Engulfed – James Montague
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Test Cricket – Tim Wigmore (Daily Telegraph)
Each shortlisted author received £3,000 in recognition of their achievement.
About the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award
First presented in 1989, the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award is the world’s longest-running and most valuable sports-writing prize, now celebrating its 37th year. It continues to highlight outstanding contributions to sports journalism, biography, memoir and historical writing.
For William Hill Sports Book of the Year press enquiries or interview requests, contact: rob@squareintheair.com
