Trans cyclist Emily Bridges has been barred from competing in a women’s omnium race against Dame Laura Kenny this weekend.
Emily Bridges, 21, will not compete against five-time Olympic champion Dame Laura Kenny in the National Omnium Championships in Derby on Saturday.
It came as sport’s international governing body the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) said the controversial cyclist was ineligible.
There has been backlash against the inclusion of Bridges, who was on the Great Britain Academy programme as a male rider called Zach Bridges and raced in men’s events as recently as last month.
The trans woman began hormone therapy last year and was previously declared eligible to compete as a woman under British Cycling’s policy as she lowered her testosterone to the required level.
British Cycling said today it recognised Bridges’ ‘disappointment’ with UCI’s decision that she couldn’t take part under current guidelines.
It 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.
‘We believe all participants within our sport deserve more clarity and understanding around participation in elite competitions and we will continue to work with the UCI on both Emily’s case and the wider situation with regards to this issue.
‘We also understand that in elite sports the concept of fairness is essential.
‘For this reason, British Cycling is calling for a coalition to share, learn and understand more about how we can achieve fairness in a way that maintains the dignity and respect of all athletes.
‘Within recent years, we’ve seen huge advancements in the science and testing around elite sports, the broader scientific and understanding of human biology, developments in protection provided by the law, and crucially a greater respect for the psychological and societal challenges of those who are transgender and non-binary.
‘This is a complex area and by uniting, we can share resources and insights.
Read More : Trans cyclist Emily Bridges is BARRED
