As she embraces her role as a mentor and domestique within Lidl-Trek, Deignan continues to leave her mark on the sport, proving that her legacy extends far beyond the podium. As we look forward to watching Deignan’s emotional final season unfold, we wanted to celebrate the career of this remarkable rider and highlight all that she has brought to the world of cycling!
A career defined by resilience and a determination to succeed
Born in Otley, West Yorkshire, Deignan’s journey into cycling began in 2004 when British Cycling’s Olympic Talent Team visited her school. It was a timely visit, and Deignan soon proved herself to be a natural talent, progressing quickly through the ranks, excelling in both track and road disciplines. Her early years saw her dominate on the track, winning multiple gold medals in the UCI Track Cycling World Cup and securing a world championship title in team pursuit in 2009.
However, it was on the road where Deignan truly made her name. Her breakthrough came in 2012 at the London Olympics, where she won silver in the women’s road race, marking the first medal for Team GB at the Games. From that moment, she became a force to be reckoned with in the women’s peloton.
The first woman to win all three monuments
Deignan’s palmarès is nothing short of remarkable. She remains the only rider to have won all three of women’s cycling’s Monuments—Tour of Flanders (2016), Liège-Bastogne-Liège (2020), and Paris-Roubaix Femmes (2021). The latter was one of her most memorable victories, achieved with an audacious 80 km solo breakaway that showcased her tactical intelligence and sheer endurance.
Another crowning moment came in 2015 when she won the UCI Road World Championships in Richmond, Virginia, cementing her status as one of the sport’s greats. Over the years, Deignan also claimed titles at Strade Bianche, La Course by Le Tour de France, and the Women’s Tour, among many others.
Pioneering the path for women in cycling
Deignan’s individual achievements are significant, but her pioneering role in advocating for the growth and professionalisation of women’s cycling is equally noteworthy. She was among the first elite female riders to take maternity leave and return to the top of the sport, demonstrating that motherhood and professional cycling can coexist.
When she first stepped away from competition in 2018 to give birth to her daughter Orla, many questioned whether she would return at the same level. Deignan not only returned but did so with a vengeance, winning Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Paris-Roubaix after her return. She repeated this feat after giving birth to her second child, Shea, in 2022. Her resilience and advocacy for better maternity policies have helped pave the way for other female cyclists who aspire to balance family life with professional sport.
Deignan has been a vocal advocate for equal race opportunities, prize money, and visibility for women’s cycling. As one of the sport’s most respected figures, she has used her platform to push for long-overdue changes, helping to elevate the status of women’s racing globally. The introduction of races like Paris-Roubaix Femmes and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift marks a significant shift, one that Deignan played an integral role in shaping.
The final season: A shift in role, not in influence
As Deignan embarks on her last season, she has taken on the role of a domestique—a transition she embraces wholeheartedly. Having spent years as a team leader, she now dedicates herself to supporting her Lidl-Trek teammates, passing on her wealth of experience and tactical acumen.
“I started out in this role, I made my way up to being a leader, and now I’m making my way back down the ladder,” Deignan reflected. “I know I’m still really valuable, and I can help the other women try and win races, so that’s really cool.”
Despite stepping back from the limelight, her presence in the peloton remains significant. As she competes in iconic races such as Milan-San Remo, the Vuelta España Femenina, and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, she continues to inspire teammates and fans alike.
Rather than chasing personal victories, Deignan is focused on ensuring that the next generation of riders is prepared to take the reins. Her mentorship within Lidl-Trek, especially for young riders like Gaia Realini and Shirin van Anrooij, is invaluable. Her strategic insights, racecraft, and support will undoubtedly shape the careers of those around her.
Reflecting on a legacy
As Deignan takes on her final races, there’s no doubt she is acutely aware of how much the sport has evolved since she first entered the peloton. Women’s cycling has impressed at every turn and is steadily getting more of the attention it deserves—including increased media coverage, greater sponsorship investment, and a more structured race calendar. These advancements are a testament to the efforts of riders like Deignan, who, in addition to training and competing as exceptional athletes, have fought tirelessly for changes in the sport.
Her influence is also felt at home, where she has become an inspiration to countless young riders, particularly in the UK. Her story demonstrates that persistence, adaptability, and passion can lead to a career that breaks barriers and helps shape the sport for future generations.
A poetic end to an extraordinary career
Deignan’s final year is about soaking up the sport that has defined her life for nearly two decades. “It’s the start of the end,” she said at the UAE Tour Women. “It does feel good; I am really happy with my decision and determined to make it a fun and successful year.”
As she puts it, her career has come full circle. “Just like a bike wheel—how poetic,” she mused.
