The organization that regulates cycling in the United Kingdom banned trans runners from competing in women's categories

The controversy unleashed in the world of British cycling over the participation of trans women in the women's category had a new chapter after the British Cycling ban on transgender cyclists in national events for this category.

According to the organization that regulates cycling in the United Kingdom, trans women participating in national competitions within the women's category is “unfair to all women cyclists”, so it promised to rework its policy.

In the coming weeks, British Cycling is expected to revise its previous policy, which allowed trans and non-binary people to participate in the sport's competitions, which was suspended indefinitely as of this Friday.

The announcement means that transgender cyclist Emily Bridges will not be able to participate in a women's competition and comes after her failed attempt to compete in the British Omnium National Championships last weekend.

Bridges has been at the center of the controversy because many cyclists reported that their participation in the women's circuit was a notorious disadvantage because of their physical conditions. Among other things, Bridges, 21, began transitioning and receiving hormone treatment just a year ago and is still registered as a male with the International Cycling Union (ICU).

The climate of tension intensified two days ago when Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I don't think biological men should compete in women's sporting events.”

Her speech followed a furious debate in recent weeks about the participation of Bridges and transgender American swimmer Lia Thomas in women's sports competitions.

British Cycling updated its transgender and non-binary participation policy in January, allowing Bridges to participate in a women's category.

Bridges was able to enter because her testosterone levels were below five nanomoles per liter for a period of 12 months prior to the event.

But the world governing body International Cycling Union (UCI) thwarted the Welsh cyclist's plans to compete in Derby because she had not yet considered her eligible to compete in international competitions and, therefore, had to retire at the last minute.

Bridges would still have been able to compete in national events. But that's not possible now either because of British Cycling's latest move today.

The Prime Minister's intervention was praised by former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies and cyclist Nicole Cooke. But Bridges' mother, Sandy, said her daughter had been “abandoned by email” following the British Cycling announcement.

“On Wednesday, April 6, the British Cycling Board of Directors voted for an immediate suspension of the current policy, pending a full review, which will begin in the coming weeks,” said a spokesman for the organization.

“While the current policy was created following extensive external and internal consultation, the review will allow us time for further discussion with all stakeholders, including women and transgender and non-binary communities, as we strive to give everyone within our sport the clarity and understanding they deserve,” he added.

In the statement, the organization acknowledged its willingness to include and celebrate transgender and non-binary people and to ensure that the sport remains “hate free”, but also to ensure fair competition among competitors.

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