Lizzie Deignan set for comeback at Ardennes Classics after maternity leave - 'I’m still a bit in the unknown'

Britain’s Lizzie Deignan is delighted to be back ahead of schedule after her second maternity leave. The 34-year-old veteran is set to make her return at the Ardennes Classics — La Fleche Wallonne and Liege-Bastogne-Liege — just as she did after the time away for her first child. Ad This time, following almost a year and a half away, she reflected on how her life has changed once again, and what she expects for her season.

CyclingDeignan announces pregnancy and new contract with Trek-Segafredo23/02/2022 AT 11:09 “I’m really excited, it’s a different range of emotions,” Deignan said. “It’s really strange to be back at the same hotel that we always stay at for the Ardennes. It’s like nothing has really changed here, but so much has changed in my life outside.

«It’s kind of a surreal feeling to be back but also a really familiar and safe feeling to be again with my Team. »It was just nice to see everyone with the same, smiling happy faces. I know the staff, I know my equipment.

None of that is new and it’s just exciting. Physically I’m good. Training’s gone really well; all of my kind of endurance numbers are really good.

Yes, I feel good. “Many riders have spoken to me, usually privately, about my pregnancy. I’m always pleased to offer my opinion or guidance.

But I think that it’s such an individual thing in terms of riders' circumstances and team support. I’m just really pleased it’s becoming normal and I hope it could become more and more normal in the future.” Her last appearance was at the Women’s Tour in October 2021, and the following September she gave birth to her second child, Shea. After her first-born Orla in 2018, she returned with May’s Vuelta a Espana and that was the race pencilled in for her second