Former world champion Lizzie Deignan has returned to Great Britain’s cycling team in a sporting director role which “will play a pivotal role in supporting the road squad at major events through to the LA 2028 Olympic Games”.

The 37-year-old retired from cycling in July last year after confirming she was pregnant with her third child.

Deignan’s illustrious career included winning a silver medal for Britain in the women’s road race at the 2012 Olympics in London and she became the women’s road race world champion in 2015.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to work with a strong and talented group of riders,” said Deignan, who is one of Britain’s most successful road cyclists with 43 professional wins.

“I believe we’re one of the strongest road nations in the world. It’s been over 10 years since my world title so it’s time for us to step into our potential and deliver more rainbow jerseys.

“It’s always a proud moment to represent your country – my aim is to help each rider who does that achieve their maximum performance with the best possible support.”

GB cycling says Deignan will work with men’s and women’s road cycling lead Matt Brammeier.

“Bringing Lizzie into the team is a real coup,” said Brammeier. “Having only recently retired from the bunch, she has so much insight and knowledge into both GB’s riders and the opposition.

“She also understands how we work as a team first-hand and can support and advise on how to get the best out of our riders on race day.

“Beyond that, Lizzie is a true legend of the sport and has directly inspired some of our future stars to want to follow in her footsteps, so to be working alongside her will be a real joy for them.”