Homecoming for Deignan as she takes charge of Otley Cycle Races
Lizzie Deignan will take over as organiser of the Otley Cycle Races in 2026, succeeding Sonja Harper.
A high-profile appointment for one of the UK’s key town-centre crits.
The Otley Cycle Races have announced Lizzie Deignan as their new Event Organiser, following the departure of outgoing race director Sonja Harper. The appointment brings one of Britain’s most decorated former riders into a key organisational role at the long-running Yorkshire criterium, which Deignan won several times early in her career.
The news was shared by the race on social media, where organisers thanked Harper for her “incredible leadership” over the past seven years. Harper has overseen the event through a challenging period for domestic racing, helping maintain Otley’s position as the premier fixture on the National Circuit Series.
Deignan, who retired from professional racing this year, will now take responsibility for the delivery of the event alongside the established volunteer team.
2025 Santini Otley Grand Prix, Women – Robyn Clay (DAS-Hutchinson) leads the peloton with Sophie Lewis (DAS-Hutchinson). Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
In a statement, Deignan acknowledged both the significance of the role and her long-standing ties to the race.
“I am slightly daunted by the prospect of jumping in as organiser of a long-standing and prestigious race like Otley,” she said. “But I am confident and grateful to be working with such a dedicated and experienced team.”
She also noted the importance of the UK criterium scene — and Otley specifically — in her own development as a rider.
“My career started on the UK criterium scene. It’s so important to me to give back to the sport and particularly my local cycling community. I certainly wouldn’t have had the career I’ve had without the dedication of so many race organisers and volunteers. Thank you Sonja.”
Deignan’s appointment is notable for the profile she brings to the race. A former world road race champion, Olympic medallist and winner of Paris–Roubaix Femmes, she remains one of the most recognisable figures in British cycling. Her involvement is likely to draw additional attention to the Otley event, which regularly attracts large crowds and fields from across the domestic scene.
2023 UCI Cycling World Championships – Loch Lomond to Glasgow, Scotland – Women’s Elite Road Race – Lizzie Deignan, Great Britain. Image: Zac Williams/SWpix.com
At the same time, the operational realities of running a town-centre criterium — from logistics and traffic management to volunteer coordination — present a significant undertaking. Deignan will be supported by the existing organisational team and by Otley Cycle Club, who have long played a central role in staging the races.
The organisers noted they were pleased to retain a female race director, something still uncommon within UK race management. Harper’s departure and Deignan’s arrival represent both continuity and a shift: a change in leadership, but one grounded in local connection and first-hand experience of the event.
The Otley Cycle Races, first held in 1985, remain one of the longest-running and best-attended criteriums in Britain. The appointment of Deignan signals an intention to maintain the event’s profile and stability at a time when several domestic races have faced uncertainty.
The Otley Cycle Races have announced Lizzie Deignan as their new Event Organiser, following the departure of outgoing race director Sonja Harper. The appointment brings one of Britain’s most decorated former riders into a key organisational role at the long-running Yorkshire criterium, which Deignan won several times early in her career.
The news was shared by the race on social media, where organisers thanked Harper for her “incredible leadership” over the past seven years. Harper has overseen the event through a challenging period for domestic racing, helping maintain Otley’s position as the premier fixture on the National Circuit Series.
Deignan, who retired from professional racing this year, will now take responsibility for the delivery of the event alongside the established volunteer team.
In a statement, Deignan acknowledged both the significance of the role and her long-standing ties to the race.
“I am slightly daunted by the prospect of jumping in as organiser of a long-standing and prestigious race like Otley,” she said. “But I am confident and grateful to be working with such a dedicated and experienced team.”
She also noted the importance of the UK criterium scene — and Otley specifically — in her own development as a rider.
“My career started on the UK criterium scene. It’s so important to me to give back to the sport and particularly my local cycling community. I certainly wouldn’t have had the career I’ve had without the dedication of so many race organisers and volunteers. Thank you Sonja.”
Deignan’s appointment is notable for the profile she brings to the race. A former world road race champion, Olympic medallist and winner of Paris–Roubaix Femmes, she remains one of the most recognisable figures in British cycling. Her involvement is likely to draw additional attention to the Otley event, which regularly attracts large crowds and fields from across the domestic scene.
At the same time, the operational realities of running a town-centre criterium — from logistics and traffic management to volunteer coordination — present a significant undertaking. Deignan will be supported by the existing organisational team and by Otley Cycle Club, who have long played a central role in staging the races.
The organisers noted they were pleased to retain a female race director, something still uncommon within UK race management. Harper’s departure and Deignan’s arrival represent both continuity and a shift: a change in leadership, but one grounded in local connection and first-hand experience of the event.
The Otley Cycle Races, first held in 1985, remain one of the longest-running and best-attended criteriums in Britain. The appointment of Deignan signals an intention to maintain the event’s profile and stability at a time when several domestic races have faced uncertainty.
Featured image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
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