Male cyclists have been banned from competing in women’s events by the official worldwide governing body, according to reports.
The Associated Press is reporting that the International Cycling Union (UCI) announced Friday that biological male transgenders, who claim to be “women,” are banned from competing as female cyclists.
The new rule will bar biological males who transition after puberty from competing in the women’s division.
The move comes amid a rise in the past few years of mediocre male athletes switching to compete as “women” and dominating the female events.
Recent public outcry over cyclist Austin Killips, the first man to win a U.S. race in the female division, prompted the sports officials to review the transgender athlete policy.
The move has resulted in a ban on males competing in the women’s division.
“From now on, female transgender athletes who have transitioned after (male) puberty will be prohibited from participating in women’s events on the UCI International Calendar — in all categories — in the various disciplines,” the international federation said in a statement, according to the AP.
The UCI stated that the ban, which will begin on Monday, is vital “to ensure equal opportunities.”
Killips, a biological male, came out on top in the female division in the Tour of the Gila competition, one of the marquee U.S. stage races this year.
He pulled away from the rest of the competition in the final minutes and defeated runner-up Marcela Prieto by a staggering 89 seconds.
Killips’ victory sparked a negative response from fans and cyclists.
His “victory” promoted the Tour of the Gila’s official Twitter account to lock replies on its tweets celebrating Killips’ win.
“The UCI would like to reaffirm that cycling — as a competitive sport, leisure activity or means of transport — is open to everyone, including transgender people, whom we encourage like everyone else to take part in our sport,” UCI president David Lappartient said.
Officials in the governing bodies for track and field and swimming have also ended the ability of biological males who underwent puberty to compete in global events in the women’s divisions, according to the AP.
Killips’ emergence on the cyclocross circuit was part of the reason 35-time winner Hannah Arensman retired from the sport recently.
During the UCI Cyclocross National Championships in December 2022, Killips was accused of trying to push Arensman off the course.
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