It’s hard to imagine cycling without them—two legends who not only shaped the sport but also shaped my love for it. As Geraint Thomas and Lizzie Deignan retire, it feels like the end of an era, not just for British cycling, but for me personally. Their departure marks a profound shift, both in the sport I cover and in the way I experience it.
As a cycling journalist, objectivity is the name of the game. You quickly learn to set aside personal biases, especially when you’re grilling riders with tough questions or dissecting races where even your favorites might falter. But let’s be honest—before this became my job, I was just a fan, and like any fan, I had my heroes. Geraint and Lizzie weren’t just riders to me; they were the reason I fell head over heels for cycling.
And this is the part most people miss: their impact wasn’t just about their wins—though there were plenty of those. It was about how they made me feel. Watching Geraint dominate the Tour de France or Lizzie conquer the World Championships, I felt a pride I hadn’t known sport could evoke. They were British, they were relentless, and they made me believe in the power of perseverance. Even now, as a journalist, I can’t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia as they step away from the peloton.
My journey into cycling wasn’t instantaneous. The 2012 Olympics? I was too busy marveling at gymnasts and divers. Trips to Flanders and Roubaix with my parents? They didn’t quite stick. But then came 2014. The Tour de France arrived in the UK, and though I missed the Yorkshire stages, the London leg was my turning point. There, I saw Geraint Thomas race, and something clicked. Later that summer, he won the Commonwealth Games road race, and I was hooked. Around the same time, Lizzie Deignan’s solo victory at the Commonwealth Games sealed the deal. I didn’t need to know every rider’s name—I just knew these two were special.
But here’s where it gets controversial: as cycling evolves, so do its values. The sport I fell in love with a decade ago is almost unrecognizable today. British riders aren’t dominating like they once did. Women’s cycling has exploded, with the Tour de France Femmes now a cornerstone of the calendar. The days of overlooking the women’s side of the sport are long gone—and that’s a good thing. But it’s also a reminder of how much has changed. Geraint and Lizzie were constants through this transformation, embodying hard work, humility, and teamwork. Yet, as salaries soar and loyalty wanes, their retirement feels like the closing of a chapter I’m not quite ready to end.
As a journalist, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing both Geraint and Lizzie multiple times. They’re not just riders; they’re thinkers, leaders, and voices of reason in a sport that’s constantly evolving. We’ve talked about racing, yes, but also about parenthood, aging, and the challenges of staying at the top. Their insights have shaped not just my understanding of cycling, but my approach to covering it.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: As the sport moves forward, will the next generation of riders leave the same mark? With dominance concentrated in the hands of a few and money playing a bigger role than ever, can we expect the same kind of loyalty and humility that defined Geraint and Lizzie’s careers? Let me know what you think in the comments—I’d love to hear your take.
Next year, the peloton will roll on without them, and while they’re not disappearing entirely—Geraint is moving into a management role at Ineos Grenadiers, and Lizzie is focusing on family while returning to media work—their absence will be felt. It’s not just about losing two great riders; it’s about bidding farewell to the era that defined my early love for cycling.
Professionally, I’ll continue to cover the sport, chasing the next big story and the next wave of stars. But personally, I’ll always be grateful to Geraint and Lizzie for igniting this passion. Their retirement isn’t just the end of something—it’s the beginning of a new chapter, both for cycling and for me. And as we move forward, I can’t help but wonder: what will the next era bring?
