Olympic silver medallist and road world champion Lizzie Deignan has returned to the Great Britain Cycling Team (GBCT) as Directeur Sportif, where she will play a key role in supporting the road squad at major events through to the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
As one of the greatest female road riders of all time, Deignan will bring over 20 years’ experience in professional cycling to the role. Having delivered in every area of the peloton, from lead rider to road captain, British Cycling notes that she will provide a unique insight into race day tactics and delivery.
Deignan will work with Men’s and Women’s Road Cycling Lead, Matt Brammeier in pursuit of more silverware for Great Britain’s road riders, with sights set firmly on success at the LA Games.
Brammeier said “Bringing Lizzie into the team is a real coup. Having only recently retired from the bunch, she has so much insight and knowledge into both GB’s riders and the opposition. She also understands how we work as a team first-hand and can support and advise on how to get the best out of our riders on race day.
“Beyond that, Lizzie is a true legend of the sport and has directly inspired some of our future stars to want to follow in her footsteps, so to be working alongside her will be a real joy for them. Most importantly, she is just incredibly passionate about the sport and seeing Great Britain achieve success at the highest level and that shines through above everything.”
Lizzie Deignan said “I’m excited about the opportunity to work with a strong and talented group of riders; 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.”
Deignan’s recruitment is one of a number of strategic tactics that aim to build on success of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which saw Anna Henderson win time-trial silver, as the squad hones its strategy through the qualification period to take the strongest, and most prepared team to the LA start lines.
In the first half of the cycle to the Games in LA, Brammeier’s introduction of an Affiliate Rider Group has increased the identification and support of young riders, providing them with opportunities within GBCT alongside the independence to forge a professional cycling career.
Additionally, as the opportunities for young riders continues to diversify, GBCT’s strategy to build strong relationships with pro teams and environments continues to play a role in the development of British riders. By sharing insight and best practice, the organisation notes that all parties have more success in identifying and supporting young riders to build long, successful careers in the pro peloton, while also creating the best opportunities for them to be medal competitive for Great Britain on the world stage.
Performance Director for the Great Britain Cycling Team, Stephen Park CBE said “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.”
