July 14, (THEWILL) – To ensure equal opportunities for all competitors in cycling competitions, the International Cycling Union (UCI), has announced that female transgender athletes, who transitioned after male puberty, will be prohibited from participating in women’s events across all categories of cycling.
UCI President, David Lappartient, stressed the Federation’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that cycling should be open to everyone as a competitive sport, leisure activity, or means of transport. However, based on the current state of scientific knowledge, the UCI concluded that there is a lack of guarantee regarding equality of opportunity between transgender female athletes and cisgender female participants.
Consequently, as a precautionary measure, the UCI has decided not to authorise transgender women to race in the female categories, effective from July 17. In light of the decision, the UCI has expressed its willingness to reassess these rules in the future as scientific understanding evolves. The governing body plans to initiate discussions with other stakeholders in the international sporting community to explore the co-financing of a research programme.
This programme aims to study the effects of transitional hormone treatment on the physical performance of highly trained athletes. By undertaking this research, the UCI aims to enhance its understanding of the impact of hormone treatment on transgender athletes and potentially revise the regulations accordingly.
This ruling follows similar actions taken by other Olympic sports, such as athletics, and highlights the ongoing conversation surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in competitive sports. The UCI’s decision is seen as a precautionary step to maintain fairness and preserve the integrity of women’s events, while acknowledging the need for further scientific research to inform future policies regarding transgender inclusion in cycling.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
