Lizzie Deignan to Retire at Season’s End
The return of the Lloyd’s Tour of Britain Women’s race marks a significant moment for women’s cycling.
Two 19-year-old British riders, making waves in the sport, reveal the inspiration behind their cycling journeys.
In a Darlington hotel, Imogen Wolff, rider for the Visma Lease a Bike team, credits Lizzie Deignan’s post-2021 Paris-Roubaix victory speech for igniting her passion. Sitting beside her is Cat Ferguson, junior road race world champion and Movistar Team rider.
“Lizzie’s Roubaix speech, with its ‘women are here to stay’ message, resonated deeply,” Wolff explains. “Cycling seemed uncool before; just older men. But after that race, I saw it differently. The grit, the determination… it was inspiring.”
Ferguson’s earliest cycling memory is Deignan’s Olympic medal win. “Watching her on TV as a six-year-old sparked my love for cycling and the Olympics,” she recalls.
“My ego appreciates that!” laughs the soon-to-retire Deignan. “I made cycling cool?”
Deignan reflects on the limited visibility of women’s cycling in the past. “Many of my career highlights weren’t widely accessible. The Olympics and Roubaix were turning points in terms of viewership, showcasing women’s resilience and skill.”
Ferguson (left) and Wolff have both achieved race wins in their debut professional seasons.
Deignan thoughtfully addresses the “underestimation” of women’s sports, highlighting the power of social media in combating inequality and amplifying athletes’ voices.
“Social media holds both positives and negatives,” Deignan states. “It allows for immediate challenges to inequality but also increases pressure on young athletes. Managing expectations is crucial.”
Ferguson acknowledges the pressure but embraces the excitement of her early career. She recounts a pivotal moment confronting inequality, refusing to shake the hand of a UCI president perceived as dismissive of women’s cycling.
Deignan’s influence extends beyond athletic achievements. “Lizzie paved the way for our careers—for fair pay, maternity benefits, and overall better conditions,” Ferguson emphasizes.
Deignan’s dedication involved a rigorous training regimen but also a holistic approach to life beyond cycling. Wolff notes, “Lizzie stresses the importance of a well-rounded life. You don’t have to be this singular, intense athlete to succeed.”
Both Wolff and Ferguson are exploring hobbies beyond cycling, highlighting the importance of balance. Ferguson reflects on the impact of Deignan as a role model: “Lizzie is an inspiring person who has helped elevate women’s cycling to more than just a sport.”
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Deignan concludes by encouraging Wolff and Ferguson to consistently strive for excellence, reminding them of their talent and hard work. “You deserve success,” she affirms.