The Union Cyclist International (UCI) has blocked a transgender cyclist from competing in the women’s British National Omnium Championship Saturday.
QUICK FACTS:
- The UCI has ruled that transgender cyclist Emily Bridges is still registered as a male and will not be eligible to compete as a female until the male UCI ID has expired, Newsmax reported.
- Bridges, who came out as transgender in 2020, has been racing in the men’s division while transitioning according to The Guardian.
- Saturday would have marked the swimmers’ first competition against women, following a year-long hormone therapy to reduce her testosterone levels.
BRITISH SPORTS COUNCILS ON TRANSGENDER ATHLETES COMPETING IN WOMEN’S SPORTS:
Biological men and women “retained differences in strength, stamina, and physique between the average woman compared with the average transgender woman or non-binary person registered male at birth.”
BACKGROUND:
- Women in support of Bridges have said they will boycott the event if she were not permitted to compete.
- British Cycling also released a statement, saying they have been in close contact with Emily and her family regarding her transition and involvement in women’s competitions.
- “We acknowledge the decision of the UCI with regards to Emily’s participation, however we fully recognize her disappointment with today’s decision,” British cycling wrote. “We believe all participants within our sport deserve more clarity and understanding around participation in elite competitions.”
