Transgender domination in women's cycling sparks renewed debates over participation of transgender athletes in women's competitions

By lauraharris // 2023-08-30

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Two transgender-identifying biological men won two separate women's cycling events, sparking renewed debates over the participation of transgender athletes in women's competitions. The first incident occurred in Zurich, Switzerland, where trans woman Kiana Gysin clinched the top spot at the women's fixed gear racing final. Gysin's victory was immediately questioned due to the competitive advantage that transgender women have over their cisgender counterparts. The second incident took place in Richmond, Washington, where 35-year-old trans woman Claire Law secured a victory in a cycling race against teenage girls at the 1/2/3 Women's Northwest Elimination Championship. Similar to the first incident, Law's triumph drew particular attention due to the age disparity between the trans athlete and the competitors. In a live stream of the event, viewers witnessed the dominance of Law as the trans athlete easily pulled ahead of the teenage competitors. The reactions to this spectacle ranged from calls for more inclusive sports environments to criticisms of the fairness of such contests. (Related: Girls basketball team withdraws from state tournament in protest against transgender player who dominates the game.)

UCI bars transgender women from participating in women's sports competition

In the past, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the world governing body for cycling, permitted transgender women to compete in the female category as long as their plasma testosterone levels remained below 2.5 nanomoles per liter. However, after extensive consultation with stakeholders, the organization decided to overhaul the rule due to the biological advantages that male puberty might offer. The decision comes after a review of scientific, legal and human rights considerations, raising questions about equality, inclusion, and competitive fairness. It was believed that the previous testosterone level limit did not fully counteract the performance-enhancing effects of testosterone during male puberty. Moreover, biomechanical factors, such as bone structure and arrangement, were cited as potential ongoing advantages for transgender female athletes. These claims from UCI explains so much about the victory of transgender women in the two separate women's sports competition this month. However, FemMess, an advocacy group promoting transgender inclusion in women's sports, criticized the decision. They claimed that scientific evidence did not support the decision and was influenced by a "transmisogynistic political climate." "FemMess CC strongly condemns UCI’s decision to essentially ban trans women from competitive cycling," the group stated. "We stand for an intersectional feminist approach to the sport, and bio-essentialism is dangerous for everyone." But contrary to the belief of FemMess, the decision came with a scientific basis and was prompted, in part, by controversies surrounding transgender athletes' participation in women's sports. The stance shifted after American cyclist Austin Killips, a transgender woman, won the Tour of the Gila in New Mexico. The victory sparked debates about fairness and competency, which led to the decision to reconsider its policy. Some, like British Olympic medalist swimmer Sharron Davies, have expressed support, stating that the decision ensures fair competition for biological female athletes. "Thank you UCI for at last giving your female cyclists fair sport as they deserve … sport has been treating, with huge disrespect, their biological female athletes. Any governing body not offering natal female and open as categories are committing sex discrimination," Davies tweeted. The latest news about transgender issues in America can be found at Transhumanism.news. Watch this episode of "Flyover Conservatives" as hosts David and Stacy Whited are joined by attorney Theresa Lynn Sidebotham in a discussion on how allowing transgender athletes to compete against biological females is actually disregarding Title IX. This video is from the Flyover Conservatives channel on Brighteon.com.

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UCI bars transgender women from participating in women's sports competition

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