Cycling star Lizzie Deignan calls it a career with unexpected declaration
Lizzie Deignan, one of Britain's most accomplished and influential female cyclists, has announced her retirement from the sport after 19 seasons. The 36-year-old, who is pregnant with her third child due in February 2026, made the decision to step away from racing to focus on her family.
Deignan's career was marked by numerous victories and firsts. She was one of the first female professional cyclists to have a child and return to the highest level, setting an example for future generations. Her palmarès includes a Commonwealth Games gold medal, multiple medals at track cycling world championships early in her career, and four British national road race titles.
Deignan's career highlights include becoming the number one ranked cyclist in the world after joining her first UCI team in 2007. Over the years, she has won some of the most prestigious races in women's cycling, such as the World Road Race Championship (2015), the Olympic silver medal at London 2012, Paris–Roubaix Femmes (2021), Tour of Flanders, and Liège–Bastogne–Liège, completing a rare “triple crown” of women’s classic races.
In recent years, Deignan took on a domestique role within her team, Lidl-Trek, supporting her teammates in their races. Despite this change, she continued to make an impact on women’s professional cycling, helping to raise the profile of women’s cycling classics. Her leadership, sportsmanship, and role in nurturing younger riders were admired by many.
Deignan's last race was the Copenhagen Sprint in June 2025, where she placed 89th. Her last pro win was at the Vuelta España Femenina team time trial in May 2025.
In her retirement statement, Deignan expressed contentment with retiring "at the top" and a desire to help others succeed. She hinted at potential involvement in mentorship, coaching, or other support roles within cycling.
Deignan's impact on women’s professional cycling is significant. By winning the inaugural Paris–Roubaix Femmes and multiple other prestigious races, she helped raise the profile of women’s cycling classics. Her leadership, sportsmanship, and role in nurturing younger riders during later seasons, especially when racing in a support role after maternity breaks, will be missed.
Deignan retires as one of Britain’s most accomplished and influential female cyclists, having shaped the modern era of women’s pro road racing with her achievements and leadership.
Key Accomplishments: - 2015 World Road Race Champion - Olympic silver medalist (2012) - First-ever winner of Paris–Roubaix Femmes (2021) - Winner of Tour of Flanders, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, Strade Bianche, and The Women’s Tour - Four-time British National Road Race Champion - Multiple medals at track cycling world championships early in career.
Sports have been a lifelong passion for Lizzie Deignan, culminating in an illustrious career that saw her win prestigious races such as the World Road Race Championship (2015) and the Olympic silver medal at London 2012. Even in her final years when acting as a domestique, her impact on women’s professional cycling, particularly in raising the profile of women’s cycling classics, remains significant.
