Transgender women banned from competitive female cycling by UK national governing body

Emily Bridges, transgender cyclist

Transgender women will be banned from competing in British Cycling’s competitive women’s events in changes that will see the men’s category become an open one.

Today’s policy announcement, which is set to take effect by the end of the year, only covers British Cycling events.

British Cycling apologised for the “uncertainty and upset that many have felt” since their transgender and non-binary participation policy was suspended in April 2022 to carry out research and consultation.

Asked if the new policy is discriminatory, British Cycling chief Jon Dutton told Sky News: “We have taken a view that this is absolutely about being inclusive for all.

“And it’s really important that we support, we empathise, we are compassionate to the riders that are affected by this policy change.”

She added: “I agree that there needs to be a nuanced policy discussion and continue to conduct research, but this hasn’t happened

“The decision that we’ve made on behalf of British Cycling is for the whole of the cycling community.”