The team Lidl-Trek has just announced the one-year contract extension of Lizzie Deignanone of the finest records in women's Cycling, and also that she will retire at the end of this 2025 season. While she planned to retire earlier, the management of Lidl-Trek encouraged her to extend her career for one final season. After nearly two decades of competing at the highest level, Deignan will leave a legacy that goes beyond her numerous victories and establishes her as a leading figure who transformed the landscape of women's cycling.
Video – Lizzie Deignan wins the 1st Paris-Roubaix Femmes, in 2021
“We often say: 'You have to start at the top'. But I have neither ego nor need to go to the top”
The palmarès de Deignan includes 43 professional road race victories, covering cycling's most prestigious one-day races. She won the rainbow jersey at the World Championships of Richmond in 2015, the first Paris-Roubaix Women of history in 2021, a title of Commonwealth Games in 2014, as well as several British Championships. She also won a silver medal at the Olympic Games from 2012 in London, at her home. In 2019, after a one-year break due to the birth of her first child, she returned to competition and quickly found her best level, reaching first place in the rankings. UCI in just 18 months.
At the microphone of his team Lidl-Trekshe explains why she chose to continue for another year : “The reason I initially wanted to retire was that I no longer have the motivation for my own results. They spoke to me and offered me a contract with the idea of being a road captain and someone who could mentor young, up-and-coming riders. It gave me a new motivation, and I said to myself: yes, actually, this is something that really drives me. I really like helping others to give the best of themselves. I still love cycling. »
The British finishes by revealing the love she has for her sport: “Cycling is totally underrated as a team sport, isn’t it? I grew up in this sport and have seen a huge change that I am very proud to have been a part of, but the basics remain the same. You start as a servant, you progress, you become a leader. We often say: “We have to go to the top”. But I have no ego and no need to go to the top. I'm really happy to come full circle and be someone who helps others win cycling races,” she concludes.
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