“It’s a bit surreal”: Lizzie Deignan recognised for services to cycling in New Year Honours “I would like to think I’ve given other women the confidence to choose motherhood,” says the former world champion, Paris-Roubaix winner, and now MBE cycling
after receiving the honour. “It makes you feel proud. To be recognised for services to cycling, it’s more than just a result. It will have a bit more longevity. When I’m 50 or 60 I’ll still have my MBE but my results will be long gone.”
“It’s kind of borne out of things that have driven me personally – to my own results, but also to start a family. Those are very personal. “The reaction to both pregnancies couldn’t have been more different and it suggests to me there has been a huge shift in people’s mindsets. “But it was just congratulations when I announced my pregnancy with Shea. There was no question Trek would support me. I think they’ve led the way in making it impossible for other teams to treat me the way I was treated the first time. It’s dramatically different.