Olympic body criticised after BC trans U-turn

National governing body axes inclusion policy for trans riders

- Vern Pitt

The International Olympic Committee has been criticized for failing to provide cycling with a clear direction on the inclusion of transgendered women after British Cycling suspended its policy – adopted in January this year – last week.

BC’s decision to effectively close the door on trans women entering the sport came a week after the UCI had said it was not able to sanction young trans woman Emily Bridges riding in the British National Championships omnium race.

British Cycling said its board of directors had voted for an “immediate suspension” of the policy “pending a full review, which will be initiated in the coming weeks”.

The decision was made due to a difference in the licensing procedures between BC and the UCI, which would allow trans women to race at home while their case was pending with the UCI. BC said it was “unfair on all women riders and poses a challenge to the integrity of racing”.