The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Judith Benjamin
Cycling’s transgender rules have come under fire after a male-born rider won an international women’s road race over the weekend.
Transgender woman Austin Killips secured overall victory in the Tour of the Gila in New Mexico, USA, claiming £28,145 in prize money for winning the elite race sanctioned by the sport’s world governing body, the UCI.
The 27-year-old American finished 89 seconds clear of Italian Marcela Prieto in the general classification and also claimed the Queen of the Mountains jersey.
Killips was able to compete in the female field under the UCI’s current policy, which allows trans women to participate as long as their testosterone levels have been below 2.5 nanomoles per litre for at least 24 months.
The UCI actually tightened their eligibility rules last year – halving the testosterone limit and doubling the transition period – shortly after a row erupted in Britain over the possible participation of Welsh trans woman Emily Bridges in a race with five-time Olympic gold medalist Laura Kenny.
Transgender woman Austin Killips won the Tour of the Gila in New Mexico, USA over the weekend
Killips won the women’s race and claimed £28,145 in prize money for taking first place
But cycling’s participation policy remains more relaxed than that of athletics and swimming, where all trans women are banned from competing in the female category at an elite level.
Ex-Canadian world champion cyclist Alison Sydor tweeted: ‘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.’
Former British Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies (pictured) has slammed the decision to let Killips compete
Killips (pictured) rides for the Amy D Foundation which was set-up in memory of American professional cyclist Amy Dombroski
Killips rides for the Amy D Foundation – a team formed in memory of former American professional cyclist Amy Dombroski, who died aged 26 in 2013, with the aim of promoting ‘participation, opportunity and equity for women in cycling’.
After winning the Tour of the Gila, Killips wrote on Instagram: ‘This win was possible thanks to the community and connections I’ve been fortunate enough to build over the years through bikes.
‘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.’
