Almost a year after her retirement from professional cycling, Lizzie Deignan has returned to the Great Britain Cycling Team as directeur sportif.
Deignan is one of Britain’s most successful cyclists. She is an Olympic silver medal winner and 2015 road world champion, who will bring over 20 years experience in professional cycling to the role.
She will work with the men’s and women’s cycling teams and will play a pivotal role in supporting the road squad as they prepare for the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
'Excited'
Deignan says she is “excited” to work with the Team GB cyclists: “I believe we’re one of the strongest road nations in the world. It’s been over 10 years since my world title so it’s time for us to step into our potential and deliver more rainbow jerseys!
“It’s always a proud moment to represent your country – my aim is to help each rider who does that achieve their maximum performance with the best possible support.”
British Cycling says the Paris–Roubaix Femme winner’s recruitment is part of several “strategic tactics” intended to build on the success of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where British cyclists won a total of 11 medals.
Performance director for the Great Britain Cycling Team, Stephen Park CBE says: “Throughout her career, Lizzie has brought so much to the Great Britain Cycling Team, both in her performance successes but also in her insight, advocacy and general attitude and positivity within the team.
“It’s now incredibly exciting to see her wanting to continue to contribute to the success of the team from the team car, so to speak. Having a rider return to the programme beyond their racing career is a true testament to their relationship with the programme and I know that Lizzie’s input will be invaluable as we move ever closer to LA 2028.”
Deignan retired in July 2025 after confirming she was pregnant with her third child.
