Lizzie Deignan to relish being a 'total unknown' at the World Championships
Former world champ will go into the race after having surgery to remove her appendix
After an emergency operation to remove her appendix just four weeks ago, Lizzie Deignan has spoke about how she is enjoying her status as a "total unknown" coming into this year's World Championships in Bergen.
In an interview with the BBC, the 2015 World champ spoke about how she lost two kilograms of muscle after 13 days of bed rest following her surgery.
"I'm not the same Lizzie that I was three weeks ago" she admitted, and despite only doing two hour training rides when she can, the Brit claims they are "full on."
However, despite the setback Deignan is looking at the positives that the situation has provided, saying that she's enjoying where she is right now.
"It's fun," she said, "I'm a total unknown. My rivals won't ignore me but they won't know what to expect."
The 28-year-old took her last victory of the season at the GP Plouay in August, before having to abandon the Boels Rental Ladies' Tour a few days later with appendicitis.
After her lay-off though, the Boels-Dolmans rider acknowledged that the pressure was off her to perform.
"It's a world title and anything can happen. It's about how much you want it, I know that from the past. It's not always the strongest rider that wins in bike racing and normally that's very frustrating for me but it might not be on Saturday" she said.
Having labelled the course as "perfect" for her after a recon earlier in the year, Deignan was focussed on getting to the start line and although she may not be on the form that saw her win in 2015, she'll be sure to give it a go.
The women's elite race will take place on September 23 with Deignan leading the GB team into action.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
-
Van der Poel the super-domestique and Matthews the nearly man: Five things we learned from Milano-San Remo 2024
From Philipsen’s first Monument victory to Pogačar’s Poggio attacks, this year’s edition of La Classicissima left us with a lot of talking points
By Joseph Lycett Published
-
My friend had warm urine squirted in his ear on the Alpe d’Huez - and it impresses people more than my national titles
When it comes to impressing people with his cycling exploits, Cycling Weekly's columnist finds that anecdotes trump achievements every time
By Michael Hutchinson Published
-
‘I remember eating two pizzas and still being hungry’ - Elisa Longo Borghini on the ride that changed her
2022 Paris-Roubaix Femmes winner reflects back on her victory in the 2013 Trofeo Alfreda Binda
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Lizzie Deignan says uncertainty around Women's Tour future is 'frustrating' after promoter enters liquidation
Collapse of SweetSpot leaves race at risk of permanently vanishing
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Loss of Women's Tour would be hammer blow for peloton, Elisa Longo Borghini says
British Cycling says 'every possible effort' will be made to ensure a women's event takes place in calendar slot occupied by the Women's Tour
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Can Lizzie Deignan bag another Monument? Cycling Weekly’s big predictions for the 2024 season
It is time for our writers to look into their crystal balls and give their predictions for the season ahead
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘I no longer had that imposter syndrome’ - Lizzie Deignan on the ride that changed her
Lidl-Trek star looks back on a special moment at the London 2012 Olympic Games
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Lizzie Deignan ‘optimistic’ after impressive World Championships performance
Brit says she felt the efforts of early breakaway in closing stages of ‘relentless’ race
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger' - Michael Valgren on getting through injury and returning to racing
Danish rider lifts the lid on his long layoff, missing the Tour de France Grand Départ in Copenhagen and being inspired by Lizzie Deignan and Remco Evenepoel
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Lizzie Deignan to return to racing at Flèche Wallonne, is a possibility for Liège–Bastogne–Liège
Trek-Segafredo finalise roster for Wednesday's Ardennes Classic, with Deignan returning for the first time since 2021
By Tom Thewlis Published