‘I’ve been demonized’ says trans cyclist banned from women’s competition

BBC public

Published on 06/04/2022 08:28

Cyclist Emily Bridges competed in the UK in 2018, when he was still known as Zach Bridges – (Credit: Getty Images)

Transgender cyclist Emily Bridges has claimed she was ‘harassed and demonized’ after learning she could not compete in the UK Women’s National Omnium Championships.

Bridges is 21 and says he provided medical evidence that she was able to take part in her first women’s event, the Omnium Way – a track cycling competition, made up of several combined events. But she says she still has “a little clarity” about her “alleged incompetence”.

“No one should choose between being themselves and playing their cardio,” she said on Twitter.

Bridges claims that she spent six months in contact with the British Cycling Federation and the International Cycling Union (UCI – the sport’s international governing body) about the eligibility criteria she had to meet to participate in the competition, which was held in Derby. , in England. On the first weekend of April.

The British Cycling Federation’s transgender rules, which were updated in January 2022, require a testosterone level of less than 5 nmol per liter for 12 months prior to competition. Bridges says she has provided the UCI and the UCI with evidence that she met this standard, “not least because my testosterone level has been well below the limit set by regulations for the past 12 months.”

But the UCI told the British Federation that because national championships are used to award points for international rankings, Bridges can only be allowed to participate if they have been confirmed eligible for international competitions – and this process is still ongoing. As a result, the British Federation said at the end of March that it had been informed by the UCI that “based on its current guidance, Bridges is not authorized to participate” in the event.

According to Bridges, “Despite the public announcement, I’m still not entirely clear about my disqualification conclusion. I’m an athlete and just want to get back into competition. I hope they reconsider their decision under the rules.”

“I have been constantly harassed and demonized by people who want to promote specific agendas. They attack anything that is not the norm, without concern for the welfare of marginalized individuals or groups,” she adds.

Bridges claims her privacy has also been “completely violated” and received “targeted abuse” on social media, “despite the fact that I haven’t raced in the women’s class yet.”

Bridges began hormone therapy in 2021 as part of her treatment for gender dysphoria. She continued to compete in the men’s races, but was provisionally entered into the women’s starting roster for the UK National Omnium Championships.

According to the British Journal of Cycling Specialist Weekly, Bridges is participating in a study at Loughborough University in England to track his potency data as testosterone levels drop – and claims that this data shows a 13-16% drop in his results. Six seconds, one minute, five minutes, and 20 minutes later.

Bridges also says she received mixed reactions when she spoke publicly about her transformation, but that many of the Knights sent messages of support.

How this was allowed to happen is just ridiculous. I would turn down the race and hope other women will stand with me on this one too. This is not fair at all. The advantages a trans woman enjoys from reaching puberty as a boy cannot be undone. https://t.co/2ALBTXozx8

– Ellie Baker (@EllieBaker1998) March 30, 2022

Even when the International Cycling Union ruled Bridges ineligible, British sprinter Ellie Baker stated on Twitter: “I refuse to compete and hope other women will take the same position on this issue. It’s totally unfair. Transgender women are privileged for having crossed puberty as boys until they are men no It can never be undone.”

Liz Ward, director of programs for the activist group Stonewall, said Bridges “was not given a fair chance to compete in the April 2, 2022 race.”

“It is unfortunate that the UCI has rejected the British Cycling Federation’s competition criteria, which were fully met by Bridges. The federation has already conducted extensive consultations on its transgender inclusion policy, which is fully in line with the Committee’s guidelines. Olympic International. Our thoughts are with Emily,” Ward concludes.

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