Cycleplan ambassador Lizzie Deignan has been awarded an MBE for her services to cycling as part of the 2023 New Year Honours list.
We sat down with Lizzie, world champion track and racing cyclist and now mum-of-two, to get her thoughts on what it means to be recognised outside of the cycling industry and why she believes there’s more work to be done for equality in the sport.
She also spoke about her career goals over the next five years and gave some poignant advice for the next generation of female cyclists.
How does it feel to be recognised for an MBE for your services to cycling?
It was a real surprise to get the MBE. I wasn’t expecting it but being recognised outside the cycling industry was a huge honour—let alone being recognised by the Royal Family. This wasn’t something I ever expected to experience, so I feel incredibly honoured!
Do you feel the MBE is a result of the impact your story is having on other pregnant women or hopeful mothers in sport?
Considering the MBE came in a year when I didn’t race yet became a mother, I suppose it was awarded for more than just my cycling achievements. It perhaps reflects the fact that I am a mother in sport and hopefully paving the way for more women to do the same thing.
Looking back on your cycling career to date, what achievements are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my Olympic silver medal in the London 2012 Olympics because it was a home games, making it a huge pressure. I was only 23 years old, but I still delivered.
Secondly is my World Championship win in 2015. I was the favourite for that race and again delivered under immense pressure.
Thirdly, I am most proud that I’ve beaten the odds and made two comebacks after having two children—they were big challenges, but certainly worth it.
What are the three biggest challenges you’ve faced during your career?
The first biggest challenge I’ve faced during my career was an injury in 2008. I had about 10 weeks off the bike at that point. It was a small back injury, but I didn’t know whether I would ever get better from that. Thankfully, I did!
The other two biggest challenges were the comebacks from pregnancy. You lose a lot of your base fitness, which takes much work to build back up. It’s a challenge in itself but taking care of a dependent child at the same time takes it to a whole new level.
Is there anything you would change or do differently when looking back at your journey so far?
I don’t think I would change anything when I look back at my career so far. It’s good to live without regrets, and I try to treat any mistakes or bad things that have happened as experiences and an opportunity to learn.
How does it feel to be the first woman to complete the full set of women’s Monument classics despite becoming a mother during your career?
I feel proud that I have completed the women’s Monument classics, although frustrated that I can’t compete for Lombardia or Milan San Remo.
The men have five Monuments, and we still have three—although I am the first woman to complete the full set, I don’t feel like it is the full set until we’re offered the opportunity to do those two races.
What advice would you give to women cyclists looking to take on the Monument classics?
My advice to women who want to do the Monument classics is that you must be a very versatile rider and try to see every opportunity you can.
Every time you take to the start line of a Monument, you must see it as an opportunity to try and win that race because there are so many different factors that can come into winning a race like a Monument. You have to take every shot you get.
How has the attitude towards pro women cyclists becoming mothers changed since you had your first child in 2018?
The attitude towards pro women cyclists becoming mothers has changed greatly since I had my daughter in 2018. Back then, there was a lot of uncertainty about how it would affect me physically and my comeback and whether I was still worth the investment of a sponsor.
Luckily Trek came on board with me and helped prove that it was possible, which meant in 2022, when I announced my pregnancy with my son Shea, the attitude was completely different.
The only thing I received was celebration comments and congratulations, which was a stark difference from the first time around, so I’m really pleased.
You’ve spoken about how it was difficult to get back into fitness after the birth of your second child. What advice would you give to mothers experiencing the same challenge?
It is very difficult to get back into fitness after the birth of my second child, harder than the first time around. I think your body reacts differently to every pregnancy.
My advice would be to give yourself some grace, lots of patience and kindness because your body has been through a huge physical and mental change, so don’t rush it and trust the process because it might take a little bit longer, but your body and your mind will settle down.
Where do you your career heading over the next five years? Are there any specific goals you hope to achieve?
In terms of specific goals, I would love to be able to go to the Paris Olympics. To say that I competed in 4 Olympics Games would be a huge achievement. It means that you’ve been at the top of your game for 4 Olympic cycles, which is incredibly difficult to achieve.
Again, I would love it if they introduced those two Monuments of Lombardia and Milan San Remo—that would be a real carrot to chase the full 5 Monument set.
I’d also love to finish my career with a Tour de France win—a stage, maybe—not the overall! But I would certainly love to be able to have some success at the Tour de France.
If you had to choose one thing, what message would you like to pass on to the next generation of women cyclists?
In terms of what message I would like to pass on to the next generation of female cyclists, I would say don’t get comfortable. Keep fighting.
There is so much work yet to be done for equality, and you owe it to the generations who came before who raced for passion without a profession. We have so many opportunities now, but the fight isn’t over, and we’ve got to keep pushing.
Many thanks to Lizzie for her insights!
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