British Cyclist Lizzie Deignan Retires Immediately After Third Pregnancy Announcement

British cyclist Lizzie Deignan has announced her immediate retirement from professional racing following the news of her third pregnancy. The 36-year-old, a former world champion and Olympic silver medalist, had initially planned to retire at the end of the 2025 season but chose to conclude her career earlier. Deignan achieved 43 professional wins, including victories at major races such as Paris-Roubaix Femmes, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Tour of Flanders, and Strade Bianche, and she was the first British athlete to win a medal on home soil at the 2012 London Olympics. Throughout her career, she took breaks for the birth of her two children, returning to top-level competition each time, and ultimately embraced a supportive role for younger teammates toward the end. Deignan highlighted the team aspect of cycling and expressed fulfillment from her life outside the sport, emphasizing her lack of ego in retiring without being at the absolute peak. She has been a prominent advocate for equality in women's cycling, paving the way for the next generation of female cyclists.