Lizzie Deignan is allowing herself to dream of glory on home roads in Yorkshire next month after a stellar return to racing following the birth of baby Orla last year.
Deignan always had the UCI Road World Championships in Yorkshire as her target when she began her comeback but securing a second world title looks like a more realistic goal after a year highlighted by victory in the Women's Tour in June.
"It's been beyond my expectations," Deignan told PA of her season so far. "I never expected to be able to win something like the Women's Tour. My goal was always the world championships and being in the best form I could be for that.
"Obviously my dream and my goal is to be world champion but I never expected to be able to just stroll up and win a world title.
"I think you have to aim for something even if you're not 100 per cent sure you can achieve it, but each step of the way I've surprised myself so maybe that dream could become a reality."
Almost a year into parenthood, Deignan – who is considering retiring after next year's Olympic Games and world championships in Switzerland – said she has no bigger inspiration than Orla.
"It's hard to describe it," she said. "It means that cycling is less important yet I'm more motivated than I ever was. It's about making the most of my time in the sport so I'm able to support Orla growing up.
The women's road race virtually passes Deignan's front door in her home town of Otley, and with a technical finishing circuit in Harrogate including a short climb before the finish line, it seems custom-suited to the 2015 world champion's strengths.
"It really suits punchy, rouleur sort of riders, of which I'd like to think I'm one," said Deignan, who got a first-hand look at the circuit when she raced the Tour de Yorkshire in May.
"There are lots of pinch-points on the circuit where it narrows over small bridges which is really unusual for a World Championships finishing circuit, so positioning will be hugely important.
"You won't want to be out of the top 20 at all on the whole course."
"I think it's worse for my friends and family," she said. "I think my dad will be on the verge of collapse all day.
"I just have to think logically about it. Pressure is just loads of people wanting you to do well, which is a positive thing.
"The break from pro-cycling gave me a perspective that I must enjoy what I'm doing more and enjoy those experiences.
"It will be an unforgettable day in my life whether do well or not. It would be crazy to see that pressure negatively.
"I'm just determined to enjoy it."
