Transgender cyclist Emily Bridges has spoken out after being banned from the National Omnium Championships this weekend.
The 21-year-old was due to compete in her first women’s event against the likes of Olympic legend Laura Kenny. Unfortunately for the athlete, she was denied the chance to race by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), who claim she is not eligible to participate under their current guidelines.
“I have provided both British Cycling and the UCI with medical evidence that I meet the eligibility criteria for transgender female cyclists, including that my testosterone limit has been far below the limit prescribed by the regulations for the last 12 months,” Bridges said in a statement released on social media.
“Despite the public announcement, I still have little clarity around their finding of my ineligibility under their regulations. I am an athlete, and I just want to race competitively again. No one should have to choose between being who they are, and participating in the sport that they love.”
Bridges also claimed that she had been “relentlessly harassed and demonised” by the media, who she believes have written stories about her to boost web traffic. “They attack anything that isn’t the norm and print whatever is most likely to result in the highest engagement for their articles, and bring in advertising,” she added.
“This is without care for the wellbeing of individuals or marginalised groups, and others are left to pick up the pieces due to their actions. My privacy has been totally violated over speculation around my eligibility and fairness to compete.” The cyclist added she had been in communication with British Cycling and UCI for six months regarding what she must do to meet the criteria.
British Cycling's transgender regulations require riders to have had testosterone levels below five nanomoles per litre for a 12-month period prior to competition. Despite the evidence Bridges claims to have provided, she will have to sit out this weekend’s competition.
Despite the setback, she continues to move forward and hopes she will soon be able to compete. “I am in contact with British Cycling and UCI requesting clarity around my alleged ineligibility, and I hope they they will consider their decision in line with the regulations," she continued.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this, your messages have meant the world this past 10 days.” Earlier this week 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," they said. "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.”
