To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Not now
OK
Advert
Advert
Advert

Transgender Cyclist Emily Bridges Blocked From Racing At Women's Championship

Nasir Jabbar

Published 
| Last updated 

Transgender Cyclist Emily Bridges Blocked From Racing At Women's Championship

​Transgender cyclist Emily Bridges has been BLOCKED from competing in the women's British National Omnium Championship. 

Bridges, 21, appeared set to face some of the biggest names in the sport, including five-time Olympic champion Laura Kenny.

Image: PA
Image: PA

But she has been denied a spot in her first race in the women's category after a ruling by cycling's world governing body. 

Advert

Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)​ state that Bridges was currently not compliant with its regulations as she's still registered as a male athlete. ​

She began hormone therapy last year to reduce her testosterone ​levels and will be able to compete as a woman once her male UCI ID expires. 

The statement reads: "We have now been informed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) that under their current guidelines Emily is not eligible to participate in this event.​

"We have been in close discussions with the UCI regarding Emily's participation this weekend and have also engaged closely with Emily and her family regarding her transition and involvement in elite competitions," said British Cycling.

Advert

"We acknowledge the decision of the UCI with regards to Emily's participation, however we fully recognise her disappointment with today's decision.

"Transgender and non-binary inclusion is bigger than one race and one athlete - it is a challenge for all elite sports."

Female riders threatened to pull out of the National Omnium Championships before Bridges was denied a place in the race because she had competed as man until a few weeks ago. 

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Cycling

Nasir Jabbar
More like this
Advert
Advert
Advert

Chosen for YouChosen for You

Football

Ruthless fans troll Yves Bissouma for what he did after Spurs vs Liverpool

26 minutes ago

Most Read StoriesMost Read

The PGMOL release statement on Luis Diaz disallowed goal against Spurs

16 hours ago