Controversy in Women’s Cycling Event
In a recent cycling competition, a trans athlete has sparked debate after winning the women’s cycling event sanctioned by US cycling. This event took place on Tuesday at the Lions Masters National Championship in Wisconsin, where Kate Phillips claimed victory. She outperformed veteran cyclist Julie Peterson, who subsequently refused to accept her medal in protest.
Peterson expressed her thoughts about Phillips’ performance, stating, “You could clearly see the power he had.” Although Peterson only became aware that Phillips had entered the race after she had already registered, she realized the implications afterward. She remarked, “If I had known, I would have spent thousands of dollars on my trip and wouldn’t have had to take a break from work.”
In a conversation with event officials, Peterson mentioned her discomfort with competing against trans athletes, saying, “I don’t want to compete with guys,” to which she was reprimanded for her language. Another competitor, Debbie Milne, who finished seventh, echoed Peterson’s concerns about fairness. Milne noted, “He was born a biological man. That’s true, and it gives an unfair advantage.” She also reflected on the unique challenges female cyclists face that are often overlooked.
Milne, who was surprised by the presence of trans athletes at the event, shared, “I drove for 13 hours to compete and had no idea this would be the case.” Christina Gray, another seasoned cyclist, voiced her frustration as well, revealing her past experiences racing against biological men. “In Oregon, almost every weekend, our races include biological men,” she stated.
Following the event, the trio of women reached out to the Independent Council on Women’s Sports to bring more attention to the issue. The US Cycling Transgender Eligibility Policy permits biological men to compete in female categories under specific criteria, including a declaration of female gender identity.
- Athletes must submit written declarations to the US Cycling Technical Director affirming their gender identity as female.
- They must meet certain criteria to participate in championship races.
This discussion highlights broader concerns in the world of athletics. Last year, several national sports governing bodies faced scrutiny regarding their policies on transgender participation. Notably, USA Gymnastics has started reassessing its transgender eligibility criteria after revising its policy in May. Meanwhile, USA Fencing is also preparing to adjust its gender eligibility guidelines in response to protests from female fencers.
