As a cyclist, York had a reputation for being taciturn and could be uncooperative with the media. Jeff Connor, author of "Wide Eyed & Legless: Inside the Tour de France" was told to "fuck off" when requesting an interview during the 1987 Tour de France. When told this, commentator Phil Liggett replied, "That sounds like Millar, he's been really awkward with us in the past. Personally, I think it's a disgrace. He has a duty to his sponsor to represent the team and you don't do that by telling journalists to 'fuck off'." During commentary for Stage 23 of the 1987 Tour de France, Liggett stated "has been a very disappointing Tour for Robert. He has lost a lot of popularity, too, one has to say. He won't speak to journalists and the team itself is also becoming discontented with Robert this year." York subsequently left Panasonic at the end of the 1987 season, to join Fagor.