Transgender cyclist Emily Bridges has been declared ineligible to take part in the women's ominium event against the likes of Laura Kenny this weekend.
The cycling governing body Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) confirmed she will be unable to compete in her first women's event. British Cycling said in a statement on Wednesday: "We have now been informed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) that under their current guidelines Emily is not eligible to participate in this event.”
British Cycling's transgender regulations, which were updated in January, state riders' testosterone levels need to be below five nanomoles per litre for a 12-month period prior to competition. As part of her gender dysphoria treatment, the athlete underwent hormone therapy and was eligible to compete in women's events due to lowered levels of testosterone. But unfortunately for the 21-year-old, she will have to wait longer to participate in her first event.
British Cycling expressed their sadness with the decision made and encouraged sporting governing bodies to come together and make better decisions for all athletes. "We have been in close discussions with the UCI regarding Emily's participation this weekend and have also engaged closely with Emily and her family regarding her transition and involvement in elite competitions," said British Cycling.
"We acknowledge the decision of the UCI with regards to Emily's participation, however we fully recognise her disappointment with today's decision. Transgender and non-binary inclusion is bigger than one race and one athlete - it is a challenge for all elite sports."
“This is a complex area and by uniting, we can share resources and insights. We want to encourage all sporting governing bodies, athletes, the transgender and non-binary athlete community, the Government and beyond to come together and find a better answer.”
Earlier this month, controversy surrounded transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, who became the first transgender athlete to win a US college swimming championship when she took the title in Atlanta. Thomas was backed by an open letter from 300 swimmers, including rival Erica Sullivan - but her inclusion also faced opposition from another competitor, Hungary's Reka Gyorgy, as well as Florida governor Ron DeSantis.
When asked about the issue, Lord Sebastian Coe claimed the "integrity" of women's sport was on the line and its future was "fragile". Coe also called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to introduce regulations that can be applied across every sport and insisted "gender cannot trump biology".
