Rider Profile
Philip became the first Irishman to ride for Team Sky in 2014 and immediately established himself as a key member of the squad.
Now in his 12th year as a pro, he has amassed an enviable stage race record including eight Grand Tour appearances and a host of impressive results.
His career highlight came on the 18th stage of the 2009 Vuelta a Espana when he battled to a hard-fought win, and that result helped him claim a top-10 overall finish in the process.
Since then the climbing specialist has achieved further victories at the Tours of the Gila, California, Utah, and the USA Pro Challenge, and will be looking to add to that tally in 2016.
Q&A
First bike:
When I was 14 I got a steel Peugeot for Christmas that was far too big for me.
Who inspired you to start cycling?
There was a 70-mile charity cycle in the June after I got my first bike, so I aimed for that.
First cycling club:
The Four Masters Cycling Club in Donegal Town.
Childhood hero:
Irish players for my favourite football club Aston Villa – Steve Staunton, Andy Townsend and Paul McGrath.
What do you love most about cycling?
When you’re on a really good day it’s a fantastic feeling and it makes all the effort and sacrifice worthwhile.
What has cycling taught you?
A sense of discipline as well as the ability to sample many different cultures around the world.
What keeps you going when you're on the limit?
That thought that if you don't give up, anything's possible. After a race, you have to know you gave everything.
Previous teams:
2005-08 AG2R; 2009-10 Cervelo TestTeam; 2011 RadioShack; 2012-13 UnitedHealthcare
Favourite race:
As a spectator - the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, my favourite to ride are Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Il Lombardia.
Favourite ride:
From Letterkenny there’s a 120km loop through Portsalon, over to Downings along Atlantic Drive and then back down through Church Hill which has amazing scenery.
Career highlight:
Finishing ninth overall on the 2009 edition of the Vuelta a Espana and also winning a stage.
If you weren't a rider, what would you be?
I can't imagine. Maybe studying or doing a mundane job wearing a suit.
Interests away from cycling:
I follow other sports like football and rallying. Also catching up with friends and family.
Favourite film:
Goodfellas and other Mafia-type films.
Favourite music:
Kasabian and Stereophonics are up there, and as an Irishman I’ve got to say U2.
Best friend in the peloton:
I have a lot of friends but not any that stand above over the others.
Favourite food:
I love Italian, so pastas and pizzas. I’ve also just got into Indian food as well.
Most famous person you've met:
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard, or Eddie Jordan.
Most embarrassing moment:
At a team presentation with AG2R one of my team-mates let the air out of my tyres and it meant I struggled to ride up the small ramp to the stage, which got a lot of laughs.
Best advice:
It’s important to have a good mentor who can keep you focused, but you have to enjoy riding your bike.
Career Highlights
2005
Tour du Doubs - Conseil General - 1st overall
2009
Vuelta a Espana - 1st stage 17, 9th overall
2011
Tour of Beijing - 2nd stage 3
2013
Tour of the Gila - 1st overall; Tour de Beauce - 2nd overall
2014
Giro d'Italia - 3rd stage 18; Tour de Suisse - 2nd stage 2
2015
Tour de Yorkshire - 5th stage one, 5th overall