UCI bans transgender women from racing in female category

On Friday, the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale), the governing body of cycling, implemented a ban on transgender women who have undergone male puberty from participating in competitive events under the female category. Concurrently, they renamed the men’s category as men/open.

These updated regulations will take effect from July 17 onwards. Athletes who do not meet the criteria for the female category will have the opportunity to participate in Men/Open events without any limitations.

Decision comes after UCI met to discuss policy

“At an extraordinary meeting held on 5 July, the Management Committee of the UCI decided to adapt the current UCI rules on the right of female transgender athletes to take part in competitions on the UCI International Calendar,” a statement from the UCI read. “From now on, female transgender athletes who have transitioned after (male) puberty will be prohibited from participating in women’s events on the UCI International Calendar–in all categories–in the various disciplines.”

According to the statement the UCI Management Committee “has taken note of the state of scientific knowledge, which does not confirm that at least two years of gender-affirming hormone therapy with a target plasma testosterone concentration of 2.5 nmol/L is sufficient to completely eliminate the benefits of testosterone during puberty in men.”

UCI maintains it still values inclusivity

“In addition, there is considerable inter-individual variability in response to gender-confirming hormone therapy, which makes it even more difficult to draw precise conclusions about the effects of such treatment. 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 statement concluded.

UCI President David Lappartient said that the UCI reaffirmed that cycling as a competitive sport, leisure activity or means of transport is open to everyone, including transgender people.

“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,” he said. “It is this imperative that led the UCI to conclude that, given the current state of scientific knowledge does not guarantee such equality of opportunity between transgender female athletes and cisgender female participants, it was not possible, as a precautionary measure, to authorise the former to race in the female categories.”