MANCHESTER (AP) – Riders assigned as male at birth are prohibited from competing in British Cycling’s female elite events, under a newly published policy on transgender participation.
The new rules, which will be implemented in this year, will split racing into two categories: “female” and “open”. Transgender women and men, as well as non-binary people and those who were born male can compete in the “open” category.
The category of female will continue to be used for people whose gender was determined at birth as female and for men who are transgender but have not undergone hormone therapy.
The men’s category is being consolidated to the open category. Those whose gender was determined at birth as female can compete in this category if they wish.
This new policy was the result of an extensive nine-month review that included consultations with riders, stakeholders and members of Britain’s team. It also involved a medical research study led by Dr. Nigel Jones, British Cycling’s chief medical officer. This research showed that males who experience puberty have a distinct performance advantage. The testosterone suppression cannot fully offset this.
British Cycling has not yet set a date for the implementation of the new regulations. They only say that they will happen before the end the year. This gives time to make changes to the technical regulations, and to discuss the issue with the UCI.
After transgender Austin Killips, an American woman, won the Tour of the Gila race in New Mexico last month, the UCI is re-examining its regulations.
Transgender women can compete in elite women’s events at the UCI if their testosterone levels have been reduced by 2.5 nanomoles/liter over the past two years.
The British Cycling policy changes also follow the World Aquatics policy change last year.
British Cycling has suspended its previous policy after Emily Bridges, a transgender woman, attempted to compete in the National Omnium Championships as a women rider.
Bridges called the action a “violent” act, adding that “I agree that there should be a nuanced discussion about policy and research continues to be conducted but this hasn’t happened.”
Jon Dutton is the chief executive officer of British Cycling. He apologized for all the stress and anxiety caused in the past 13 months, since the previous policy had been suspended.
The previous transgender policy allowed male riders to compete as females if their testosterone levels were below 5 nanomoles/liter for 12 months prior to the competition.
The policy will be regularly reviewed and updated as new research becomes available.
Dutton stated that the subject is “incredibly emotional and can be divisive at times.” Dutton said that it took many months for the team to examine three different areas. First, they consulted with athletes and other members of the cycling community. Second, they looked at medical research at the time. Thirdly, the team considered the legal aspect in relation to the Equalities Act.
We’ve decided on the balance between all three in order to provide clarity, direction and a clear path forward for athletes who are affected.
