Former world champion and Olympic silver medallist Lizzie Deignan and her husband Philip Deignan have announced that they are expecting their first child.

Deignan had already announced her intention not to defend her Commonwealth Games road race title in Gold Coast next month, but says she plans to return to the sport in 2019.

In a statement issued via her professional team Boels-Dolmans, Deignan said: “Philip and I are extremely proud to announce that we are expecting our first child in September, and we are both very happy and grateful to be mum and dad.

“I am also proud to announce that I want to return to the professional cycling platoon in 2019 and 2020.

Lizzie Deignan
Lizzie Deignan won the road race title at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (Tim Ireland/PA)

“There are countless women who inspire me and show how successful and achievable this challenge is.

“My dream to become world champion in Yorkshire for home crowd is still there, I now have more people to share the trip with. ”

Deignan, formerly known as Lizzie Armitstead, married Great Britain and Team Sky rider Philip Deignan in her home town of Otley in September 2016.