Mountain biking, and in particular the cross-country (XCO), is already an established Olympic sport. But beyond the individual disciplines, the Olympic movement has just taken a huge step forward in the structure of elite sport. The International Olympic Committee has approved a new policy to protect women's cycling, which will take effect at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The new regulations establish that participation in the women's category of the Olympic Games and IOC events will be limited to biological women. This criterion will be determined by a single test based on the identification of the SRY gene, a genetic marker associated with male development.
According to the IOC, the presence of the SRY gene is a reliable indicator of male biological development and remains constant throughout life. The test can be performed using saliva, buccal swabs, or blood and is considered a minimally invasive method compared to other alternatives.
Athletes who do not possess this gene will permanently meet the eligibility criteria to compete in the female category. However, those who test positive will not be eligible to participate in this category, except in very specific cases, such as certain differences in sexual development that do not imply a physiological advantage.
The decision is based on a scientific consensus, reviewed by an international working group, which concludes that male development offers advantages in disciplines based on strength, power, and endurance. Therefore, the IOC believes that the female category should be based on biological sex to ensure equal opportunities and safety, especially in contact sports. The rule will not have retroactive effect and will not affect grassroots sport.
The process involved experts and consulted over 1.100 athletes.
The development of this regulation included a review process between 2024 and 2026 with the participation of experts in medicine, sports science, ethics and law, as well as direct consultations with more than 1.100 athletes from around the world.
With this decision, the IOC establishes a new regulatory framework that will shape the future of Olympic sport in all its disciplines, including mountain biking, where XCO will continue to be part of the Olympic programme under these new conditions from 2028.
