In her final year of racing, Lizzie Deignan, riding for Lidl-Trek, is embarking on an extensive schedule featuring iconic races like the re-born Milan-San Remo, the Vuelta Femenina, and the Tour de France Femmes. “Iโm basically doing everything,” Deignan mentioned to CyclingNews during Lidl-Trek’s training camp in January. “I think the only one-day WorldTour races I’m skipping in the spring are Gent-Wevelgem and De Panne, so Iโm racing every weekend.”
Deignan has outlined her major tour plans, focusing on “the Vuelta and the Tour,” but opting out of the Giro due to its close scheduling, which would otherwise result in a packed racing block across Belgium and Italy. This schedule will culminate with the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. She confirmed she won’t be participating in Liรจge-Bastogne-Liรจge, given its proximity to the Vuelta.
After announcing her retirement plans last November, Deignan, who has enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning 19 years, is transitioning from her role as a leader to that of a domestique. This final season is one of reflection and closure for the former World Champion, who is ready to retire on her own terms, confident that she has maximised her potential. “I’m really aware that there’s no going back when I stop, it’s really the end,” Deignan stated. “I want to look back with fond memories.”
Deignan’s primary aim this season is to “enjoy it more than anything,” with a strong emphasis on mentoring her younger teammates and sharing her extensive experience. “Now, my motivation is different,” expressed the 36-year-old. “Helping riders develop confidence is crucial. All the data analysis and nutrition in the world won’t help if a rider doubts themselves.”
Deignan’s illustrious career includes major victories such as the World Championships in 2015, the Tour of Flanders, and Strade Bianche, adorned in rainbow stripes. She also boasts triumphs in Liรจge-Bastogne-Liรจge, La Course by Le Tour de France, and multiple wins at Trofeo Alfredo Binda and GP de Plouay. Her most recent victory came at the inaugural Paris-Roubaix Femmes in 2021, where she rode 80km solo in challenging conditions to claim the win at the storied velodrome.
Despite accumulating 43 career wins, Deignan remains unfazed by the possibility of not winning again in her final season. “I appreciate the cyclical nature of the sport. I benefited from the help of other teammates for so long,” she said, highlighting the value of her new role. “It’s a team sport. Seeing my husband [Phillip Deignan] who was a domestique, thereโs great value in that”.
Deignan is set to compete in the first edition of the revived Milan-San Remo for Women, returning to the calendar on March 22nd for the first time since 2005. “I’m lucky and proud enough to say that I’m the only woman whoโs got all three Monuments that currently exist,” Deignan commented. “I’m an outside bet for the fourth, but it’s pretty clear we’ll be racing there for Barzi [Elisa Balsamo].”
The return of Milan-San Remo is a significant moment for the ongoing development of women’s cycling. “The last winner was Trixi Worrack, who was a teammate of mine,” Deignan reflected. “I hope now that it’s back, it will never disappear again. It’s another opportunity to show that we belong on the same stage as the men.”