Lizzie Deignan has announced that she will be taking a break from racing in September to become a mother of two. However, the Paris-Roubaix winner has extended her contract with Trek-Segafredo through 2024 and plans to return in 2023.

"Phil and I are happy to announce to you that we are expecting our second child in September," Deignan said through Trek-Segafredo, posting a photo of her first child, Aura.

Deignan gave birth to Orla in 2019 and then made a successful comeback to professional cycling, winning the Women's Tour in her first year back; in late 2021, she made history as the first female winner of Paris-Roubaix.

"Obviously having a baby is a big decision, but it wasn't difficult for us. We always wanted to have a big family and I think it is the right time to have another child," Deignan said.

"Aura is ready to have a sibling, I feel like I'm ready to take the next step of establishing my career and having another child, and everything behind the scenes has worked out. All the logical things fell into place, such as settling down with a team and settling into a place to live. Adding to our family was a logical, albeit emotional, decision."

Degnan is not racing in 2022, but plans to continue racing with Trek-Segafredo in 2023 and 2024.

"From an athletic standpoint, I feel I still have a lot to give. For me, it was obvious that if I could have another child, I would return to cycling.

"I never thought I would go through not one, but two pregnancies and continue my career. But the fact is, there are now many examples of successful women returning to sports, especially older women. I don't think the stereotype that athletes retire at age 30 in their prime necessarily applies anymore."

"Having gone through the journey of giving birth and returning to sports, I realized that it is possible and physically it is easier than I thought it would be. It was a big surprise after giving birth to Aura and also helped me make the decision to return to work after giving birth. [but now, three years after having Aura, we feel like we know what we're doing and we feel like we can manage more, and we're actually enjoying it.

Deignan joined Trek-Segafredo in 2018 during her first pregnancy, and the team offered her full support and confirmed her palace with the team for 2023 and beyond.

"It was actually quite an emotional experience. When I talked to Trek and told them about my pregnancy, they were totally supportive," Dignan said.

"When I first told Ina, the sport director, she immediately said, 'Wow, congratulations!' ' and she said, 'Oh my gosh, congratulations! I was really surprised. That support meant so much to me personally. I am a professional athlete on a professional cycling team, but the support felt very personal and I am incredibly grateful."[23