Breaking News: Lizzie Deignan Announces Retirement at the End of 2025
In a heartfelt announcement that has resonated deeply across the cycling world, British cyclist Lizzie Deignan has revealed that she plans to retire at the end of the 2025 season. The decision, driven by her desire to prioritize family life, marks the conclusion of a stellar career that has left an indelible mark on women’s cycling.
Deignan, a former world champion and Olympic silver medalist, cited the growing difficulty of balancing the demands of professional cycling with her role as a mother to her two young children. “I don’t want to keep saying goodbye to my kids anymore,” she shared in an emotional statement. “Cycling has given me so much, but it’s time for me to give more to my family.”
The 36-year-old has enjoyed a career spanning over a decade, during which she has become one of the most decorated and respected figures in the sport. From winning the prestigious Tour of Flanders in 2016 to her iconic victory at La Course by Le Tour de France in 2020, Deignan’s achievements have set a high bar for future generations.
Her crowning moment came in 2015 when she claimed the rainbow jersey at the UCI Road World Championships in Richmond, USA. Her tactical brilliance and unmatched resilience on the bike made her a role model and a trailblazer for women’s cycling.
Deignan’s journey as a professional athlete and a mother has not been without its challenges. After giving birth to her first child in 2018, she made a triumphant return to the peloton, winning the inaugural Paris-Roubaix Femmes in 2021. However, as her family grew with the birth of her second child, she found the frequent travel and time away from home increasingly difficult to bear.
“Every race is a balancing act,” she admitted. “While I’ve cherished every moment on the bike, I’ve missed so many precious moments with my kids. They’re growing up so fast, and I don’t want to miss any more.”
Deignan’s final season promises to be a farewell tour filled with emotional moments and celebrations of her illustrious career. She has expressed her intention to give her all in her remaining races, with a particular focus on inspiring younger riders and advocating for greater investment in women’s cycling.
“I want my last races to be a testament to how far women’s cycling has come and a reminder of how much further it can go,” she said. “I’m excited to pass the baton to the next generation.”
The announcement has elicited an outpouring of support and admiration from fans, teammates, and competitors alike.
“Lizzie is a legend, not just for her results but for the way she’s carried herself throughout her career,” said fellow cyclist and long-time rival Marianne Vos. “She’s been a fierce competitor and an incredible ambassador for the sport.”
As Deignan prepares to step away from professional cycling, she has hinted at plans to stay connected to the sport in a mentorship or advocacy role. However, her immediate focus will be on her family. “I’m looking forward to being there for every bedtime story, every first day of school, and every little moment in between,” she said.
Lizzie Deignan’s retirement marks the end of an era, but her impact on cycling will endure for years to come. As the sport continues to grow, her legacy as a champion, trailblazer, and devoted mother will remain a source of inspiration.
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