‘Why not jump in at the deep end?’ – Lizzie Deignan reveals comeback plans after giving birth

Lizzie Deignan is aiming to return to action at the Ceratizit Challenge by La Vuelta in May following the birth of her second child.

Deignan, who gave birth to son Shea in September, has started training again and is planning a bumper summer schedule including the Tour de France Femmes and Road World Championships.

“Although my pregnancy with Shea was quite difficult, I felt like I recovered quite well afterwards. That first ride back meant so much to me – of course, I felt very wobbly, but the endorphins felt so good.

“Only post-partum mums will know how intense those first weeks are. You’re not at all in control of your body and your routine is dictated 100% by the baby’s needs. It’s a 24-hour job for the first few weeks.

“To be able to go out on the bike for the first time and be in control of everything, and have that moment of separation from yourself and the baby, it’s a rush of freedom and exhilaration. It’s a moment to breathe.”

Deignan hopes that by skipping the Spring Classics in favour of a solid training block, she will arrive at the biggest races in peak condition later in the season.

“If everything goes to plan, my first race will be the Vuelta. I figured why not jump back in at the deep end?” she said.

“The thing is, if you start with the Classics, like I did after having Orla, you end up losing so much training time with tapering and recovery, it could take you seven weeks just to have seven race days.

“If I dive in with a stage race, I’ll have a week of racing under my belt straight away. I’m hoping that I’ll quickly regain the race rhythm and feel comfortable in the peloton.

“I’m sure the Vuelta will be a shock to the system, but hopefully it’s the right choice!”

The London 2012 Olympic silver medallist had daughter Orla in September 2018 and returned to win the Women’s Tour a year later.

“I’ve planned a lot of race days between my comeback and the Tour de France Femmes because I’m a rider who likes to have lots of racing in the legs to reach my best condition,” she said.

“The Tour only finishes a week before the World Champs in Glasgow so I would love to be hitting my peak form at that time.

“Last year, I saw the Tour de France Femmes up close whilst working with Trek Travel and on TV. I felt like a fan and really soaked up the atmosphere, but at the same time it was reassuring being there because I still had the urge to race.

“I really wanted to the on the other side of the fence, with my team-mates. I’m not ready to be a fan just yet!”

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