The International Cycling Union has agreed to “reopen consultation” around transgender women competing in elite female events following outcry over Austin Killips’ victory at the Tour of the Gila.
Killips finished first in the women’s category of the New Mexico race earlier this week, bettering her rivals by 89 seconds and winning $52,000 in prize money. The 27-year-old was fully sanctioned to compete in the event under UCI rules.
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“This win was possible thanks to the community and connections I’ve been fortunate enough to build over the years through bikes,” Killips wrote on Instagram.
“After a week of nonsense on the internet I’m especially thankful to everyone in the peloton and sport who continue to affirm that Twitter is not real life.
“I love my peers and competitors and am grateful for every opportunity I get to learn and grow as a person and athlete on course together.”
Killips’ triumph sparked backlash on social media channels, with former world champion cyclist Alison Sydor tweeting: “The current UCI rules that allow males to compete in female cycling events are not fair to female athletes.
“Time for UCI to admit this current rule situation is unsustainable and leaving a black mark on cycling as a fair sport for females.”
The UCI defended its regulations on Tuesday, acknowledging that transgender athletes can choose to compete in accordance with their gender identity.
“The UCI rules are based on the latest scientific knowledge and have been applied in a consistent manner,” the statement read.
“The UCI continues to follow the evolution of scientific findings and may change its rules in the future as scientific knowledge evolves.”
However, the UCI softened its stance on the matter a couple of days later, announcing it would “analyse the current situation by reopening consultation with the athletes and national federations”. The organisation said it would debate and make a decision at its next meeting in August.
“The UCI‘s objective remains the same: to take into consideration, in the context of the evolution of our society, the desire of transgender athletes to practise cycling,” the statement read.
“The UCI also hears the voices of female athletes and their concerns about an equal playing field for competitors, and will take into account all elements, including the evolution of scientific knowledge.”
Meanwhile, swimming and athletics have effectively banned athletes that have gone through male puberty in women’s elite competition.
