In its press release the UCI states: “From now on, transgender female athletes who have passed (male) puberty will be prohibited from participating in the women's events of the UCI International Calendar – in all categories – in the various disciplines”.
For international Masters events, a Men's/Open category will be created in which “any athlete who does not meet the conditions for participation in the women's events will be admitted without restrictions”.
The new ruling takes effect from July 17, with the UCI leaving the door open to these changes as it states that the rules “they could change in the future as scientific knowledge evolves”.
In the press release announcing its decision, the UCI also adds that it will start talks on co-financing research programs that study “changes in physical performance of highly trained athletes undergoing transitional hormone treatment” with other members of the "international sports movement".
First, the UCI would like to reiterate that cycling – as a competitive sport, leisure activity or means of transport – is open to everyone, including transgender people, whom we encourage like everyone to practice our sport. I would also like to reiterate that the UCI fully respects and supports the right of individuals to choose the sex that corresponds to their gender identity, whatever sex they were assigned at birth. However, it has the duty to ensure, above all, equal opportunities for all competitors in cycling competitions. It is this imperative that led the UCI to conclude that, given that the current state of scientific knowledge does not guarantee such equality of opportunity between transgender athletes and cisgender participants, it was not possible, as a precautionary measure, to authorize the former to compete in the female categories – David Lappartient, UCI president
Read the full press release here of the UCI. The UCI has included it in its announcement a document written by its medical director Xavier Bigard.
