New British Cycling Rules Bar Transgender Women from Competing in Elite Female Events
British Cycling, the governing body for cycling in England, has recently announced a new transgender and non-binary participation policy that prevents riders who were born male from competing in elite female events. The policy, set to be implemented this year, introduces separate categories for “open” and “female” races, allowing transgender women, transgender men, non-binary individuals, and those assigned male at birth to compete in the open category. The decision comes after a thorough nine-month review process that included consultations with riders, stakeholders, and medical research led by British Cycling’s chief medical officer, Dr. Nigel Jones.
Under the new rules, British Cycling aims to strike a balance between inclusivity and fair competition. The open category will encompass individuals who are transgender women, transgender men, non-binary, or assigned male at birth. This category allows riders to participate regardless of their gender identity or assigned sex at birth. Meanwhile, the female category will remain exclusive to individuals assigned female at birth and transgender men who have not yet undergone hormone therapy.
The consolidation of the current men’s category into the open category further allows individuals assigned female at birth to compete alongside those assigned male at birth if they choose to do so. This move seeks to provide more opportunities for competition while considering the performance differences associated with puberty experienced as males.
The development of this policy was not hasty but instead involved a comprehensive review process. British Cycling engaged in consultations with various stakeholders, including riders and members of the national team, to ensure diverse perspectives were considered. Additionally, a study led by Dr. Nigel Jones, British Cycling’s chief medical officer, examined available medical research on the topic.
The research findings emphasized a clear performance advantage for individuals who underwent puberty as males, even after undergoing testosterone suppression. This advantage, supported by scientific evidence, led to the decision to implement separate categories to maintain fairness in elite female events. British Cycling aims to create an environment that acknowledges the complexities surrounding gender identity while preserving the integrity of competitive sport.
The introduction of separate categories in British Cycling represents an attempt to navigate the complex issue of transgender and non-binary participation in sports. By offering both an open category and a female category, the governing body strives to provide opportunities for participation to all individuals while addressing the potential performance advantages associated with assigned male at birth and male puberty.
The policy recognizes the need for transgender women, transgender men, non-binary individuals, and those assigned male at birth to have competitive opportunities. However, it also acknowledges the importance of fairness in elite female events, taking into account the biological differences that can impact performance. Striking this balance is crucial to ensure a level playing field while being inclusive of all athletes.
British Cycling’s new transgender and non-binary participation policy reflects an ongoing effort to create policies that consider the evolving understanding of gender identity in the context of competitive sports. The nine-month review process, including consultations and research, underpins the governing body’s commitment to making informed decisions.
While this policy may not satisfy all stakeholders, it is a step forward in acknowledging the complexities of transgender and non-binary participation in cycling. By providing separate categories and considering the performance advantages associated with assigned male at birth, British Cycling aims to maintain fair competition while fostering inclusivity.
As society continues to navigate the intersection of gender identity and sports, it is essential to engage in ongoing dialogue, research, and collaboration. By doing so, governing bodies can work towards developing policies that uphold the principles of inclusivity, fairness, and respect for all athletes, irrespective of their gender identity.
Image by wirestock on Freepik