Lizzie Deignan, one of Britain’s most celebrated cyclists, announced at Rouleur Live in London today that she will retire from professional cycling at the end of the 2025 season. The Lidl-Trek rider, who has amassed victories in races such as Paris-Roubaix Femmes, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Tour of Flanders, as well as claiming the UCI World Championship title in 2015, confirmed that 2025 will mark the conclusion of her remarkable 18-year career.
Deignan’s contract with Lidl-Trek has been extended for a final year, during which she will focus on mentoring younger riders in a road captain role. Explaining her decision to Rouleur, she said, “The reason I initially wanted to retire was because I no longer have the motivation for my own results. They [Lidl-Trek] offered me a contract in the vein of being a road captain and mentor. That sparked a bit of motivation in me… I really enjoy bringing out the best in the people around me. I still love cycling.”
Deignan added, “I have no ego or necessity to retire at the top. I’m ready to go full circle and be someone who helps people win bike races again.”
Reflections on an extraordinary career
In a video shared on social media, Deignan looked back on her career, highlighting some of her proudest moments, including her 2015 World Championship win in Richmond. “Winning the world title was a dream come true… Looking back now I think, wow, I was 25 years old and went into the World Championships as favourite and delivered. I think, who was she? I’m so proud of that day,” she said.
She also recalled her unexpected triumph at the inaugural Paris-Roubaix Femmes in 2021, saying in the video posted by Lidl-Trek, “Roubaix was totally unexpected, and the reaction afterwards was bigger than I thought it would be. It was a turning point in women’s cycling. It was special that I got to be the first person to cross the line.”
Deignan’s long list of achievements includes victories at all three of women’s Monuments—the Tour of Flanders (2016), Liège-Bastogne-Liège (2020), and Paris-Roubaix Femmes (2021). She has also claimed wins at Strade Bianche, Trofeo Alfredo Binda, and the Women’s Tour of Britain.
The moment of realisation
Speaking to Rouleur, Deignan described the moment she knew it was time to step away. After a diverted flight during a stormy evening in Glasgow, she arrived home to her children feeling overwhelmed. “I was coming home from training camp and was on a flight that got diverted to Glasgow instead of Leeds. I landed into the eye of a storm and got home at five o’clock in the morning,” she said. “The kids woke up at seven o’clock in the morning, and it was straight back into real life. I just thought, I am pushing the boundaries too much here. I’m trying to be the best athlete I can, the best mother I can, the best wife I can, and there’s nothing left. I can’t sustain this anymore.”
Despite balancing her role as a mother with a professional cycling career, Deignan emphasised during her interview with Rouleur that her decision to retire wasn’t solely due to family life. “If I was still desperate to win, we would manage it as a family, but I’m not… I’ve reached my limit in the sport. I’ve done everything I can, and I think it’s just time to step away.”
Deignan has been a vocal advocate for women in sport, particularly in her role as a mother and athlete. She said, “I feel really fortunate that I’m stepping away still very much in love with the sport. Women’s cycling is on an upward trajectory, and I’ve been a part of that. I feel I have some expertise in that area and I’d be crazy not to try and share that with the next generation.”
Reflecting on her impact, she told Rouleur, “I never consciously thought I was going to change cycling—it’s been a bit of a bonus byproduct. I knew I was worth more than the experience I had when I first became pregnant, and I’m proud of myself for sticking up for myself and the impact that’s had for other people.”
Deignan also hinted at staying involved in the sport after her retirement, telling Rouleur, “I definitely feel like I’m ready to stick my teeth into something new… I love bringing out the best in people and seeing people thrive.” While her exact plans remain undecided, she remains keen to support women in sport, particularly around issues of self-confidence and development.
