Transgender cyclist Emily Bridges will not compete at Saturday’s National Omnium Championships in her first women’s event after a ruling by cycling’s world governing body.
The 21-year-old looked set to face some of the sport’s biggest names, including five-time Olympic champion Laura Kenny.
However, British Cycling said in a statement on Wednesday: “We have now been informed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) that under their current guidelines Emily is not eligible to participate in this event.”
Bridges began hormone therapy last year as part of her gender dysphoria treatment and has now become eligible to compete in women’s events because of lowered levels of testosterone.
British Cycling’s transgender regulations, which were updated in January this year, require riders to have had testosterone levels below five nanomoles per litre for a 12-month period prior to competition.
“We have been in close discussions with the UCI regarding Emily’s participation this weekend and have also engaged closely with Emily and her family regarding her transition and involvement in elite competitions,” said British Cycling.
“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.”
More to follow
