Cyclist Lizzie Deignan steps away from competition with an unexpected declaration
Lizzie Deignan, a renowned British professional cyclist, has announced her retirement from the sport, concluding a career spanning over 19 years. Known for her exceptional achievements, Deignan leaves behind a legacy that will be hard to match.
Career Highlights
Deignan's career reached new heights in 2015 when she won the UCI Road World Championships, a pinnacle of her career. She also secured a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics in London, marking a significant milestone. Deignan's palmarès includes victories in several prestigious classics, such as the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix Femmes, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Strade Bianche.
In 2014, she took gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and in 2015, she was ranked first worldwide in Richmond, Virginia. Deignan's final win came in a team time trial in Barcelona with the Lidl-Trek team, and she also won a pro race at the Vuelta Espana Femenina in May 2025.
Retirement
Deignan's retirement was originally planned for the end of this season, but has now been brought forward. She announced her decision in July 2025, following her third pregnancy. Despite her retirement, Deignan had previously taken breaks for her children and continued to support younger riders until her final race, the Copenhagen Sprint in June 2025.
Her team, Brit's Lidl-Trek, described her as a "consummate leader and mentor". Deignan's palmarès also counts four British national road race titles. In her last victory, Deignan attacked solo with more than 80km remaining. Her last race was the Copenhagen Sprint in June, where she placed 89th.
Pioneer in Women's Cycling
Deignan is one of the first female professional cyclists to have a child and return to the highest level. She has been a pioneer in women's professional cycling, leading the charge for more exposure on women’s cycling and better compensation for her colleagues.
Over 19 seasons as a pro, Deignan recorded 43 wins. Her last victory was at the inaugural Paris-Roubaix Femmes in 2021. As she steps away from the sport, Deignan reflected on the changes she has seen in professional women's cycling. "Professional women's cycling is 'night and day different' today to when I first started," she said.
Lizzie Deignan, a former world champion and pioneer in women's professional cycling, has announced her immediate retirement from the sport. Her contributions to the sport will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
Sports have been a significant part of Lizzie Deignan's life for over 19 years, during which she made history as a professional cyclist. As she retires, her achievements in various prestigious classics such as the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix Femmes, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Strade Bianche will continue to shape the landscape of women's sports.
