UCI considering creation of transgender-specific category

The UCI is currently working towards the creation of a separate category for transgender athletes, following the rise of some athletes and rules that were not previously prepared for this situation.

Transgender athlete Austin Kilips has been at the epicenter of the discussion as the American rider finished third in the Zonnebeke Kasteelscross behind Denise Betsema and Marion Norbert Riberolle. The lack of previous rules in relation to transgender athletes is putting pressure on the UCI to look at the details and decide if it is necessary the creation of a new category.

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"It remains a tricky subject. The rules are not perfect for women, who were male before their transformation, but also not for the women who have been female since birth," UCI medical director Xavier Bigard explained.

"The evolution in muscle development is naturally different between men and women," adds Belgian Federal Doctor Kris Vandermieren. "Hormonal treatment or gender reassignment surgery have no influence on the genetic material. There is no doubt that this can cause differences compared to a large group of women."

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