Deignan to put woeful return out of her mind in Euro title bid
OTLEY’S Lizzie Deignan will look for a change of fortune when she dons Great Britain colours at the European Road Championships in France next week.
The 2015 world champion has endured a tough return to racing since the season resumed, crashing at both Strade Bianche and the Giro dell’Emilia.
But the 31-year-old will headline the women’s squad in Plouay when racing begins on Monday, and will be joined by Alice and Hannah Barnes as well as Lizzy Banks in the women’s road race on August 27.
“Having the opportunity to represent my country is always special and I’m looking forward to meeting up with my Great Britain Cycling Team teammates for next week’s race,” Deignan said.
“It’s obviously been a strange year to say the least, and the past couple of races definitely haven’t gone my way, but I’m looking forward to the
European Championships.
“I’m recovering from crashes at Strade Bianchi and Giro dell’Emilia and I’m excited to race again. Plus it’s a course I know and love as we return to Plouay.”
Alex Dowsett and Tom Pidcock lead a youthful men’s squad which also includes Gabz Cullaigh, Ethan Hayter, Matt Holmes, Scott Thwaites, Matt Walls and Fred Wright.
Meanwhile, Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas have both been left out of Team Ineos’ Tour de France squad as Sir Dave Brailsford signals a changing of the guard within the team.
Defending champion Egan Bernal will line up with the support of 2019 Giro d’Italia winner Richard Carapaz, but four-time Tour winner Froome will instead go to the Vuelta a Espana in November, while 2018 Tour winner Thomas looks to the Giro d’Italia in October.