Lizzie Deignan rethinking retirement plans
A new focus may override British rider Lizzie Deignan's original intention to bow out after the 2019 World Champs
Lizzie Deignan has put her 2020 retirement plans on hold and hinted that her career may continue beyond the end of the decade with a new outfit.
The Boels-Dolmans rider had previously suggested retiring after the 2019 UCI Road World Championships, to be held in her native Yorkshire.
“I’m not restricting myself, or saying Yorkshire will be the end, or even Tokyo [2020 Olympic Games],” Deignan told Cycling Weekly.
“I am still only 29 and I think I need a different focus and a different approach. I can’t keep doing the same things because I am not motivated in the same way.
“The calendar is not changing, my team is not changing at the moment, so it has to come from a bit of introspection and having a look at what drives me, where I need to be and who I need to work with.”
Deignan joined Boels-Dolmans at its inception in 2013 and has experienced the majority of her success with the team. Her rise to the pinnacle of the sport has coincided with the team’s ascent to the top.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGC6TGs1Ps0
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
“I’ve had great opportunities here and there is no better women’s team in the world, no grass is greener, she said. “Sometimes you have to change things.”
The change in approach comes after her bid to reclaim the rainbow jersey was scuppered by appendicitis just three weeks before last September’s World Championships.
“I don’t have any plans and I’m feeling really comfortable being like that. Normally I am so focused and goal-orientated, and because of what happened last year I am not going to put that kind of pressure on myself.”
>>> Lizzie Deignan eyeing Amstel Gold win en route to Worlds in 2018
While most top teams are well stocked with talent many would welcome Deignan’s experience and stellar palmarès. Former UCI president Brian Cookson is currently trying to build a women’s team, though
Cycling Weekly understands a big sponsor is yet to be found.
Deignan will again target the rainbow jersey in Austria this September, though she will not defend her Commonwealth Games title on Australia’s Gold Coast this spring.
“It is the same time as the Ardennes Classics and my responsibilities lie with my trade team,” she said. “I have been twice and come away with a silver and gold. I don’t need a bronze.”
Instead Deignan aims to be competitive for the Tour of Flanders onwards, with the Ardennes Classics and the Tour de Yorkshire targets before the defence of her national title in June.
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
Owen Rogers is an experienced journalist, covering professional cycling and specialising in women's road racing. He has followed races such as the Women's Tour and Giro d'Italia Donne, live-tweeting from Women's WorldTour events as well as providing race reports, interviews, analysis and news stories. He has also worked for race teams, to provide post race reports and communications.
-
I can’t even remember the price of my latest bike — the trauma is too deep
Dream bikes are best left locked up in fantasy land, argues CW's columnist
By Michael Hutchinson Published
-
Buying a saddle online without a fit is a risky move — here's how to find the best perch for you
Getting your saddle right makes all the difference, we spoke to an expert to help guide you in the process
By Rob Kemp Published
-
21 things you didn't know about Lizzie Deignan
The trailblazing British cyclist has been at the top of the sport for over a decade
By Adam Becket Published
-
Lizzie Deignan to make Tour de France Femmes debut this July
'It's the biggest stage in the world,' says Brit
By Tom Davidson Published
-
CW Live: USA Cycling announces Esports roster; Soudal Quick-Step and Israel-Premier Tech release new kit; Lizzie Deignan back racing in May; Peter Sagan 'disappointed' in Wout van Aert; Cyclist killed in London
Everything you need to know in the world of cycling this Friday
By Adam Becket Last updated
-
Lizzie Deignan: Tour de France Femmes will be 'dynamic' compared to men's Tour
Trek-Segafredo rider says that eventually she would like to see a three-week Tour for women
By Adam Becket Published
-
Here is the Great Britain women’s team for World Championships 2020 in Imola
The swiftly re-arranged World Championships are just a few weeks away and the Great Britain women’s team has been confirmed.
By Alex Ballinger Published
-
Why a women’s Tour de France next year is a no-go
With a women's Tour de France all but certain, calls for it to happen in 2021 are wide of the mark, argues Owen Rogers
By Owen Rogers Published
-
‘I thought it was a weird sport’: Lizzie Deignan on how she started cycling on ‘Home Roads’ podcast
Lizzie Deignan as offered an honest insight into her home life, being scouted from school, and how she spent her year away from racing in the ‘Home Roads’ podcast.
By Alex Ballinger Published
-
Former world champion Lizzie Deignan announces pregnancy
Lizzie Deignan and her husband Philip are due to have their first child in September
By Owen Rogers Published