Emily Bridges

Transgender cyclist Emily Bridges has been ruled out of competing in the National Championships this weekend after cycling governing body UCI stepped into ...

It is a challenge for all elite sports. Bridges had been set to compete in the omnium event against the likes of five-time Olympic champion Laura Kenny. But British Cycling said in a statement that Bridges would no longer be lining up in the event. ransgender cyclist Emily Bridges has been ruled out of competing in the National Championships this weekend after cycling governing body UCI stepped into the row over her participation.

The 21-year-old was set to compete in her first female event on Saturday after undergoing hormone therapy that lowered her testosterone levels.

British Cycling’ added in their statement: “We also understand that in elite sports the concept of fairness is essential. She told Cycling Weekly in an interview last month: "After starting hormone therapy I didn't want to race in the male category any more than I had to - obviously, it sucks, getting dropped, racing as a man when you're not one. I couldn't live like that any more - I couldn't be my true self."

The 21-year-old was slated to compete in a women's event for the first time at the British National Omnium Championships, and was due to race against Dame Laura ...

It just seems so incredibly unfair.’ A spokesperson added: We acknowledge the decision of the UCI with regards to Emily’s participation, however we fully recognise her disappointment with today’s decision. ‘We acknowledge the decision of the UCI with regards to Emily’s participation, however we fully recognise her disappointment with today’s decision.’

Emily Bridges, the trans woman cyclist, will not compete at the National Omnium Championships on Sunday after a ruling by cycling's governing body, the UCI.

"We also understand that in elite sports the concept of fairness is essential. The statement read: "Transgender and non-binary inclusion is bigger than one race and one athlete – it is a challenge for all elite sports. This is a complex area and by uniting, we can share resources and insights. She also conceded, though, that there had been a "steady trickle" of hostile posts on the subject of her transition and participation in events. Is it a bridge of fair competition?" "I'm a little bit worried that [their participation in women's events] will affect the fairness of competition," he said.

British transgender cyclist Emily Bridges has been ruled ineligible to participating this weekend in the British National Omnium Championship.

Even though Bridges came out as transgender in 2020, she has been racing in men’s events while transitioning. "We believe that transgender and non-binary people should be able to find a home, feel welcome and included, and be celebrated in our sport," a statement said. She cannot compete as a woman until that registration expires.

British Cycling calls for 'coalition' after last-minute decision on trans rider's eligibility.

“I’m a little bit worried that this [transgender participation in sport] will affect the fairness of competition,” he said. “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,” the governing body said. Bridges was permitted to race in the event under British Cycling’s transgender and non-binary participation policy, but the governing body said on Wednesday that they have been informed by the UCI that “under their current guidelines Emily is not eligible to participate in this event.”