CHAMPION cyclist Lizzie Deignan has announced that she is pregnant with her first child.

The 29 year old, from Otley, and her husband Philip broke the news via social media on Wednesday, March 14.

Posting on Twitter, Lizzie said: "Me and @PhilipDeignan are delighted to announce the very exciting news that we are expecting our first child in September."

She added that the news meant her sporting career would now be on hold until next year, and that she would be 'aiming to return to professional cycling in 2019 and 2020'.

She said: "My dream of becoming World Champion at home in Yorkshire* is still my dream, I will just have more people to share the journey with.

"Thank you to those who have believed in me, my husband, family and friends who all support me.

"I will continue to ride for Boels-Dolmans Cycling Team, who have been the catalyst to success in my career.

"I hope to finish my career in 2020 at the pinnacle of my sport, the Tokyo Olympic Games. Bring it on!"

Lizzie was the 2015 World road race champion and was the first British athlete to win a medal - a silver - at the London 2012 Olympics.

Last year she added victory in the Asda Women's Tour de Yorkshire to her long list of achievements.

*The 2019 UCI Road World Championships will be held in Yorkshire in September, 2019.