Trans cyclist Emily Bridges is banned from competing in the women’s Omnium race against Dame Laura Kenny this weekend after the sport’s international governing body said she was ineligible after the row
- Emily Bridges began hormone therapy in 2021 and is now eligible to compete as a woman
- However, she was banned from participating in women’s races this weekend
- The sport’s international governing body said she was ineligible after a dispute
Trans cyclist Emily Bridges has been banned from competing in a women’s omnium race this weekend against Dame Laura Kenny.
Emily Bridges, 21, will not face five-time Olympic gold medalist Dame Laura Kenny at the National Omnium Championships in Derby on Saturday.
It came as the sport’s international governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), said the controversial cyclist was ineligible to compete.
There was backlash against the inclusion of Miss Bridges, who was in the Great Britain Academy program as a male driver named Zach Bridges and only competed in men’s events last month.
The trans woman began hormone therapy last year and was previously declared eligible to compete as a woman under British Cycling’s guideline as she lowered her testosterone levels to the required level.
Emily Bridges began hormone therapy last year and was previously declared eligible to compete in women’s events by British Cycling
British Cycling today said it acknowledged Bridges’ “disappointment” with the UCI’s decision.
It said: “We recognize the UCI’s decision regarding Emily’s participation, but fully acknowledge her disappointment with today’s decision.
“Transgender and non-binary inclusion is bigger than a race and an athlete – it’s a challenge for all elite sports.
“We believe 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.
“We also understand that in elite sport, the concept of fairness is essential.
“That is why British Cycling calls for a coalition to share, learn and understand more about how we can achieve fairness in a way that upholds the dignity and respect of all athletes.
“In recent years we have witnessed tremendous advances in the science and testing surrounding elite sport, a broader scientific understanding of human biology, developments in protection under the law, and most importantly, a greater respect for the psychological and societal challenges of these sports, affecting the transgender and are non-binary.
“This is a complex area and if we join forces we can share resources and insights.
Emily Bridges, seen here at the Tour de Gwent in April 2018 before beginning her transition. Her participation in women’s events has made some female cyclists “desperate”.
“We know some of these conversations are taking place in the corners of the sports world, but we want to encourage all sports governing bodies, athletes, the transgender and non-binary athlete community, government and beyond to come together and find a better answer.”
“A lot more needs to be done collectively in all sports before any long-term conclusions can be drawn.”
British Cycling’s previous decision to allow Miss Bridges to ride in women’s events was heavily criticised.
Former Olympic medalist Sharron Davies says she has been contacted by a number of female cyclists who are afraid of the consequences for speaking out.
“British Cycling should be ashamed,” she said. “I had some of the girls on the phone who were very distressed. You are frustrated and disappointed.
“They are all for inclusion, but not at the expense of fairness and opportunities for biological women.
“I don’t understand why this isn’t sexual discrimination of the highest order. Reducing testosterone does not diminish the benefit of male puberty.
“Emily retains an unfair advantage. She competed very successfully with the men’s team last year while also reducing testosterone.
“This is wrong and people need to start calling it out or lose the sport to future generations of young girls.”
A well-placed source added, “Everyone is afraid to speak up for fear of retribution.”