"Are we able, to guarantee fair competition? I can’t answer ‘no,’ but I can’t answer ‘yes’" - David Lappartient comments on transgender controversy

UCI President David Lappartient outlined some of the details surrounding upcoming meeting. He confirmed that central to the discussion will be whether the current rules on transgender inclusion in the women’s category have an impact on fair competition.

“Are we able, today, to guarantee fair competition? I can’t answer ‘no,’ but I can’t answer ‘yes’," Lappartient told Cyclingnews. A report following the discussion could affect the decision made on transgender participation rules at the next UCI Management Committee Meeting, which will be taken either ahead of or at the Glasgow World Championships. 

“For us, there are three key points to consider. The first one that is really key is that we fully respect the right of any person to make a transition, to decide the way they want to live, and this has to be with no discrimination - it’s also written in our constitution. The second point is that for transgender people, we welcome them into the cycling community,” Lappartient said.

“But the third point is the right to take part in high-level competition. Is it a fundamental right, and in which way would this affect fair competition? This third point is the one we want to answer - we want to be clear about the first two points - it’s just about how we can ensure fair competition, and that is what we have to discuss."