Lizzie Deignan has had the extraordinary privilege of sharing the competitive cycling stage with some of the sport’s most prominent figures, including Dutch icons Marianne Vos, Annemiek van Vleuten, and Anna van der Breggen, who have consistently set incredibly high benchmarks for excellence on the road.
In recent years, female cyclists have been engaged in a relentless struggle to attain equal status with their male counterparts in various aspects of the sport, including sponsorship opportunities, equitable salaries, and fairer media coverage.
At a staggering 500,000 euros, the victor of the men’s Tour de France enjoys earning ten times the amount awarded to the winner of the women’s equivalent event, highlighting the stark financial disparities that persist within professional cycling.
Deignan feels incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of her Lidl-Trek team, who wholeheartedly embraced her decision to start a family during what many consider the peak years of her athletic career.
“I’m really proud that I was able to prove that becoming a mother isn’t necessarily the end of an athlete’s career – that you are able to come back successfully and as strong as I’ve ever been after having children,” she affirmed, underscoring her commitment to both her sport and her family.
“There was an absolute mutual respect between myself and the team from the very beginning, and because of that, I felt very safe and secure in my return,” she added, reflecting on the supportive dynamics within her team.
“Our contracts have maternity clauses which they never had before I was pregnant,” she explained, noting a significant shift towards inclusivity within the sport.
Deignan made a remarkable comeback after her first maternity leave, capturing prestigious titles in some of cycling’s most celebrated events, including the 2019 Women’s Tour of Britain, the 2020 La Course by the Tour de France, and the historic Liège-Bastogne-Liège in the same year.
Acknowledging her role in advancing women’s cycling, Deignan recounted a pivotal moment in 2012 when she voiced her concerns to the UCI during a media conference, demanding greater attention and support for women in the sport.
“[Women’s cycling] is unrecognisable compared to when I first started. I turned professional 18 seasons ago earning 200 euros a month – there’s now a minimum wage,” she remarked, highlighting the positive transformations that have occurred over the years.
“There are so many different things in our contracts in our World Tour regarding race organizers needing a certain amount of TV coverage and minimum safety guidelines. All these things that we never had – I feel like our sport is at the forefront of equality. I’m really pleased that I’ve been a part of that,” she concluded with pride.
“Doing things like having children in the middle of my career, at the height of my career, I think contributes to the fact that women are being taken seriously in the sport. But there is still work to be done,” Deignan asserted, emphasizing the ongoing journey towards gender equality in cycling.
What are the biggest challenges women cyclists face regarding sponsorship and media coverage?
**Interview with Lizzie Deignan: Breaking Barriers in Women’s Cycling**
**Editor:** Lizzie, thank you for joining us today. You’ve had an incredible career, competing alongside some of the best cyclists in the world. What has that experience been like for you?
**Lizzie Deignan:** Thank you for having me! Competing with champions like Marianne Vos, Annemiek van Vleuten, and Anna van der Breggen has been a true honour. They set such high standards for excellence, which challenges me to continue pushing my limits and elevating women’s cycling.
**Editor:** It’s wonderful to hear about the camaraderie in the sport. However, we know that female cyclists have been fighting for equal standing with their male counterparts. Can you talk a bit about the challenges women face in terms of sponsorship, salaries, and media coverage?
**Lizzie Deignan:** Absolutely. There’s a significant disparity, particularly when you look at the prize money. For example, the winner of the men’s Tour de France takes home around 500,000 euros, while the women’s event offers just a fraction of that amount. This financial disparity highlights the need for continued advocacy for equal treatment in all aspects of the sport.
**Editor:** Speaking of advocacy, you recently returned to professional cycling after starting a family, which is a significant decision in such a demanding sport. How has your experience been with your team upon your return?
**Lizzie Deignan:** I feel incredibly fortunate to have the support of my Lidl-Trek team. They embraced my decision to start a family during what many consider peak career years. I’m proud to show that motherhood doesn’t have to mark the end of an athlete’s career. In fact, I’ve come back strong, which I hope inspires other athletes.
**Editor:** That’s an inspiring message for many. You mentioned that your contracts now include maternity clauses, which is a step forward. How important do you think this is for the future of women in cycling?
**Lizzie Deignan:** It’s crucial. Having maternity clauses in contracts signifies a shift in how women’s cycling is viewed and valued. It shows that organizations recognize the need for support during pivotal life stages, which ultimately benefits the sport by retaining talent and fostering a more inclusive environment.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Lizzie. It’s encouraging to hear about the progress being made and the positive changes happening in women’s cycling.
**Lizzie Deignan:** Thank you! I believe that with continued support and advocacy, we can make significant strides toward equality in the sport.