Robert Millar during his career as professional cyclist.

Philippa York made a statement on cyclingnews.com on Thursday night, disclosing her former identity as Robert Millar, the 1984 King of the Mountains at the Tour de France.

Millar, until the overall Tour wins of Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome, had the highest finish of a Briton in the race, finishing fourth 33 years ago.

She has previously written on cycling as Millar, but now York will write as herself and appear on ITV4's coverage of the Tour.

She wrote on cyclingnews.com: "As much as I've guarded my privacy over the years there are a few, I believe obvious, reasons to why I haven't had a public 'image' since I transitioned.

Philippa York

"Gratifyingly, times have moved on from 10 years ago when my family, friends and I were subjected to the archaic views and prejudice that some people and certain sections of the tabloid media held.

"Thankfully gender issues are no longer a subject of such ignorance and intolerance, there's a much better acceptance and understanding.

"I really am delighted to have accepted this new challenge with ITV4; I'm looking forward to the racing immensely and in terms of my personal and professional development I think this is the right time to return to a more active role in cycling too - the sport I've always loved."