USA Cycling has updated its transgender athlete participation policy, which now aims to establish new categories for transgender athletes to compete across domestic races within the US.
Beginning January 1, 2024, transgender athletes seeking to compete at USAC-sanctioned events will be categorized as either Group A or Group B athletes, depending on their discipline and race category, according to a press release from USA Cycling on Thursday.
As of July 17, 2023, the UCI banned transgender women from competing in women’s categories on the UCI-sanctioned events on the international calendar in all disciplines if they have transitioned after puberty. Athletes seeking to compete at UCI-sanctioned events must adhere to the UCI eligibility regulations for transgender athletes.
In USAC-sanctioned events, Group A athletes are those seeking to compete domestically in the pro and categories 1 and 2 on the road, track and in cyclocross, as well as pro category in mountain bike and all categories across BMX.
These athletes must complete an “elite athlete fairness evaluation application” for review by an independent medical panel.
According to USA Cycling’s announcement, this process includes the submission of medical documentation demonstrating that the athlete’s total testosterone level in serum has been below 2.5 nmol/L for at least 24 months and must be completed 90 days prior to the first day of the race in which the athlete seeks to compete.
Group B athletes are those seeking to compete domestically in categories 3, 4, and 5 and novice in road, track and cyclocross racing, and categories 1, 2, and 3 in mountain bike.
These athletes must complete a “self identity verification request” for review by the USA Cycling technical director.
USA Cycling has stated that this process is for documenting the athlete’s change in gender identity and must be completed 30 days prior to the first day of the race in which the athlete seeks to compete.
“The revision of our Transgender Participation Policy was a complex process guided by several factors. Foremost was the direction of our Board of Directors, who asked us to prioritize the balance between fairness and inclusion,” USA Cycling CEO Brendan Quirk said.
“Our work encompassed a study of the UCI’s most recent review of the latest scientific literature, an assessment of the U.S. legal environment and similar policies from other sports organizations, and outreach to our athletes, club and team managers, and event organizers….
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