Philip Deignan may be 35 years old but he still has the legs to aim for personal results; a chance he did not get with Team Sky.
Irish cyclist Philip Deignan seeks new contract
Having raced in the pro ranks for 14 years Philip Deignan (Team Sky) is looking for a new contract for next year.
The Irish rider has ridden with Team Sky for the past five years. However, his current contract expires at the end of this year.
And whether he will race next year, or decide to retire, is not yet clear according to his wife Lizzie Deignan.
A former world road race champion and Olympic silver medal winner, Lizzie Deignan is preparing to come back to racing herself.
She has had her first child, Orla, recently. And her comeback will be with the new Trek-Segafredo women’s team.
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In an interview with William Fotheringham of The Guardian newspaper, she said their plans for childcare are not clear because her husband’s next career step is not set.
“The original plan was that he would keep racing as well. But men’s racing is having a turbulent time,” she said.
“He’s looking for a contract but he may end up as a full-time dad as his next career move.
“We’ve looked into other arrangements such as childcare and we’re ready for both options.”
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Philip Deignan wins stage 19 of the 2009 Vuelta a Espana into Avila, with a vanquished Roman Kreuziger in the background. Climbing to Tour of the Gila overall victory back in 2013 as a UnitedHealthCare rider.
Philip Deignan has ridden very well when called into action with Team Sky over the past five years. However, opportunities to try for his own results have been few.
He is now 35 years old but it is not unusual for pro cyclists to continue racing until they are 40 or more.
Many Irish fans would love to see Deignan depart Team Sky for a squad where he would get the chance to ride for himself.
Aqua Blue Sport might have been the perfect fit for him, though it failed financially and folded in August.
However, while Deignan could still win races with the support of a team, the sport is in a state of flux.
And the current rider market is one where securing a new contract will be difficult, though far from impossible.
A number of teams have ceased and others have merged with rival outfits to survive as the financial crisis lingers in cycling.
New baby, new perspective
However, Deignan’s climbing prowess and experience will hopefully prove enough to land another contract.
His wife said her own return to the sport came with no pressure, though she was looking forward to it.
“I’d rather try and fail than not try. I’m absolutely prepared to fail but I will have to decide what failure is. I’ve not really considered it,” she told The Guardian.
“I’ve got two years to do it, and so far I’ve only surprised myself. If the worst happens and I don’t win bike races I’ve got Orla, so it won’t be a big deal.
“I’m looking forward to my first ride. I feel very balanced about it. I love Orla to bits but I’m sure I’ll be fine for an hour on the bike.”
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