Transgender cyclists will have their own competition to "protect the female category"

The International Cycling Union(UCI) will ban transgender athletes from competing in the women's category. As communicated on Friday, the committee decided on this rule change after reviewing scientific and legal recommendations, as well as stakeholder input. A new category called "Male/Open" will be created as a solution.

The measure will come into effect next Monday, July 17, and aims to "protect the female category and ensure equal opportunities." "Given the current state of scientific knowledge, it is also impossible to rule out the possibility that biomechanical factors such as the shape and arrangement of the bones in their limbs may constitute a lasting advantage for female transgender athletes," the letter stated.

David Lappartient, president of the UCI, expressed that "given (that) the current state of scientific knowledge does not guarantee such equality of opportunity between transgender female athletes and cisgender female participants," it was decided to separate these athletes into a new category.

"I would also like to reaffirm that the UCI fully respects and supports the right of individuals to choose the sex that corresponds to their gender identity, whatever sex they were assigned at birth. However, it has a duty to guarantee, above all, equal opportunities for all competitors in cycling competitions," added Lappartient.

The move came in response to what happened at the Tour of the Gila in New Mexico when Austin Killips won and became the first transgender woman to win a UCI women's stage race. The result was protested by several athletes, which led the organization to reevaluate its rules.

Until now, the UCI allowed transgender athletes to compete in the women's category as long as they were within the maximum allowable plasma testosterone level (2.5 nanomoles per liter). According to the release, that ceiling was not "sufficient to completely eliminate the benefits of testosterone during puberty in men." Now, those who have transitioned after male puberty must participate in the aforementioned brand-new category.