From Leitrim Observer to William Hill winner: David Walsh wins Sports Book of the Year

Esteemed sports journalist David Walsh, who began his career with the Leitrim Observer in 1978 and became editor at just 25, has become the second Irishman in two years to win the William Hill Sports Book of the Year.

Walsh wrote for the Leitrim Observer for two years before moving on to the Irish Press, and later working for the Sunday Tribune, the Sunday Independent, and the Sunday Times.

The Escape: The Tour, the Cyclist and Me, co-written by Pippa York and David Walsh, chronicles Scottish former Tour de France cyclist York and Sunday Times chief sports writer Walsh’s travels during recent editions of the Tour de France, exploring topics such as doping, gender, and sports psychology.

In addition to the trophy, they will share a £30,000 prize.

Speaking after receiving the award, Pippa York said: “Hopefully The Escape shows transgender people as respectable and ordinary. We’re just human beings, we’re normal people.

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“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.”

David Walsh explained that the aim of the book was to set aside political debates and 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,” he said.

“We wanted three stories in one: the biography of Robert Millar, whose story was never fully told; Robert Millar’s transition to Pippa York, which took nearly a decade; and a road trip – two journalists covering the Tour, one a former pro cyclist who has transitioned, and the other an older journalist who had never spoken to a trans person before and knew nothing about the subject.”

Walsh, who was previously shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award in 2013 for Seven Deadly Sins, said winning the prize with York made it even more satisfying.

“I’m as happy as I could ever be about anything in my profession. I was shortlisted before with Seven Deadly Sins back in 2013, and it narrowly missed out. I accepted it, but coming back now and winning, especially with Pippa, is even more satisfying,” he said.

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“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,” Walsh admitted.

“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.”

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