In a move aimed at ensuring fairness in competitive cycling, British Cycling has unveiled a new policy that will prohibit transgender women from participating in elite female events. The governing body’s decision was published on Friday and introduces a segregation of races into “open” and “female” categories. Under the new guidelines, transgender women, transgender men, non-binary individuals, and those assigned male at birth will be eligible to compete in the “open” category.
This development follows the suspension of British Cycling’s previous policy, which occurred last year when transgender woman Emily Bridges attempted to compete as a female rider in the national omnium championships.
The implementation of the new policy has received mixed reactions, with Bridges condemning it as a “violent act” and expressing her disapproval of the governing body, labeling it a “failed organization.” She criticized their lack of concern for diversity in the sport, asserting that cycling remains predominantly white and heterosexual. The policy’s formulation involved a comprehensive nine-month review process, which included consultations with riders and stakeholders, including members of the Great Britain team. British Cycling’s objective with this segregation is to prioritize fairness in competition, though it is expected to generate ongoing debates regarding the inclusion and representation of transgender athletes in elite sports.