British Cycling suspends trans and non-binary cyclists from competitive racing

British Cycling has suspended its trans and non-binary participation policy with immediate effect, promising a “full review” in the coming weeks. 

The British national governing body for cycling said on Friday (8 April) that the decision was made due to a difference in licensing policies held by British Cycling and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) – the sport’s world governing body.

According to British Cycling, this difference means that is it “currently possible for trans-female athletes” to be eligible to race domestically while “their cases remain pending with the UCI (or indeed in situations where they are deemed ineligible)”. 

“This in turn allows those riders to accrue domestic ranking points which impact selection decisions for National Championship races, which is not only unprecedented in our sport, but is also unfair on all women riders and poses a challenge to the integrity of racing,” the statement continued. 

As a result, British Cycling’s board of directors voted on Wednesday (6 April) to immediately suspend its current policy, pending a coming review. The governing body said this review will “allow us time for further discussion with all stakeholders, including women and the transgender and non-binary communities”. 

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