Trans woman Emily Bridges is banned from competing in the British track cycling championships in the Omnium. As the British association announced on its website on Wednesday, the world association UCI has banned the 21-year-old from starting.
Under the current guidelines, she is not eligible to participate. According to dpa, the national association Bridges had previously allowed a start and justified this with its own rules for the participation of transgender and non-binary cyclists.
Cycling Association disappointed with the decision
The British association reacted disappointed to the decision. “We take note of the UCI’s decision regarding Emily’s participation, but at the same time recognize their disappointment with the decision,” said British Cycling.
The world association will continue to work to ensure that trans people are allowed to start. “We believe that all participants in our sport deserve greater clarity and understanding in relation to competing in elite competition and we will continue to work with the UCI on both Emily’s case and the general situation regarding this issue,” announced the association.
According to the British newspaper “The Guardian”, the world association justified the decision by saying that Bridges is still registered as a man and can only start as a woman when this license expires.