Striking a Balance Between Fairness and Inclusivity in Cycling
USA Cycling, the governing for cycling in the United States, has recently announced its revised Transgender Athlete Participation Policy. This new policy aims to align with international standards while introducing new categories for transgender athletes at the domestic level. The goal is to strike a balance between fairness and inclusivity in the sport, providing clear guidelines for transgender athletes to participate in USA Cycling-sanctioned events.
Banning Transgender Women from UCI-Sanctioned Events
Under the revised policy, transgender women who have transitioned after puberty are banned from competing in the women’s category at UCI-sanctioned events. This decision is in line with the updated policy set by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), which aims to protect the integrity of women’s events and ensure equal opportunities for all athletes.
Two-Tiered System for USA Cycling-Sanctioned Events
For non-UCI-sanctioned events, USA Cycling has introduced a two-tiered system. Starting from January 1, 2024, transgender athletes will be categorized as Group A or Group B, depending on their discipline and race category.
Group A Athletes: Elite Athlete Fairness Evaluation Application
Group A athletes include those racing at the Pro, Category 1, or Category 2 level. Transgender women in this group must undergo an “elite athlete fairness evaluation application” reviewed by an independent medical panel. This process requires submitting medical documentation demonstrating that their serum testosterone level has consistently remained below 2.5 nmol/L for at least 24 months. The evaluation must be completed 90 days before competition.
Group B Athletes: Self-Identity Verification Request
Group B athletes consist of those competing at the Category 3, 4, 5, and novice levels. Transgender athletes, both men and women, who wish to compete at this level must complete a self-identity verification request reviewed by the USA Cycling Technical Director. This process documents the athlete’s gender identity and should be completed 30 days before competition.
Guided by Fairness and Inclusion
USA Cycling’s CEO, Brendan Quirk, emphasized that the revision of the Transgender Participation Policy was guided by the board’s directive to prioritize fairness and inclusion. The policy takes into account the latest scientific literature, the U.S. legal environment, and similar policies from other sports organizations. Quirk also highlighted that the policy would be subject to further review and revisions as U.S. law and scientific findings evolve.
Aligning with UCI’s Revised Policy
USA Cycling’s updated policy follows the UCI’s change in transgender athlete eligibility criteria in July. The UCI acknowledged that the current scientific knowledge no longer supported its existing policy and took measures to protect the female class and ensure equal opportunities. This change prompted USA Cycling to align its policy with the UCI’s revised criteria, creating a more consistent and fair framework for transgender athlete participation.
USA Cycling’s revised Transgender Athlete Participation Policy represents a significant step towards balancing fairness and inclusivity in the sport of cycling. By aligning with international standards while establishing domestic categories, USA Cycling aims to provide opportunities for transgender athletes while safeguarding fair competition. The policy takes into account the latest scientific research, the legal landscape, and the policies of other sports organizations. As the U.S. legal landscape and scientific understanding continue to evolve, the policy remains open to further review and revisions to ensure it reflects the most current knowledge and best practices. This commitment to ongoing evaluation and adaptation demonstrates USA Cycling’s dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all athletes.
USA Cycling’s revised Transgender Athlete Participation Policy represents a significant step towards balancing fairness and inclusivity in the sport of cycling. By aligning with international standards while establishing domestic categories, USA Cycling aims to provide opportunities for transgender athletes while safeguarding fair competition. The policy takes into account the latest scientific research, the legal landscape, and the policies of other sports organizations. As the U.S. legal landscape and scientific understanding continue to evolve, the policy remains open to further review and revisions to ensure it reflects the most current knowledge and best practices. This commitment to ongoing evaluation and adaptation demonstrates USA Cycling’s dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all athletes.
