Cycling Ireland has said its policy change around permitting transgender cyclists compete in women's only races was not an easy one to take. The decision, which means transgender women will not be allowed to participate in women's only races in Ireland, represents a change of policy for the Irish federation.
It comes at a time when the participation of transgender women in women's only events - across most sports - is the focus of public debate and examination by national and international sporting bodies. That includes the UCI, cycling's world governing body, which has recently outlined its approach.
Last month the UCI banned transgender women from competing in women’s-only races on its calendar, with that ban introduced ahead of the multi disciplinary World Championships in Glasgow.
The UCI’s ban follows similar moves in other spots and commenced across cycling from July 17th. The UCI said it believed it was “necessary to take this measure to protect the female class and ensure equal opportunities”.
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However, in announcing the ban, the UCI also said the rule many change in the future as more information – including from the scientific and health and sports research communities – becomes available.
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Cycling Ireland has now effectively followed the UCI's example, with transgender women now not permitted to enter female-only races. In the Republic and Northern Ireland, most road races at mixed gender and mixed category, meaning the ruling would have no bearing for transgender women competing in those events.
However, a number of events are women's only, including the Cycling Ireland National Road Series, and in disciplines such as track, MTB and downhill. Under the new position taken by the national governing body, and in response to the UCI ruling, those women's events are now not open to transgender women.
The decision to effectively come into line with the UCI was taken by Cycling Ireland at a board meeting at July 24th. The national governing body has also pledged to "review the Cycling Ireland transgender policy", though the rule change to effectively ban transgender women from women's only races in Ireland is now already in place.
"The decision taken by the board is not an easy one and we fully acknowledge it will impact our trans and nonbinary members," said Cycling Ireland chief executive James Quilligan. "Cycling is inclusive and open to everyone, that is the starting point for any conversation in this area and that remains the case. Cycling Ireland fully respects the rights of all individuals.
"The UCI decision to adapt its’ transgender rules has meant that Cycling Ireland needed to review our own policy in terms of equal opportunities and fairness for all and therefore have withdrawn our current policy at this time. We will continue to monitor the international guidelines and studies produced to make the most informed decision possible."
Cycling Ireland added it encourages "all cyclists irrespective of gender to continue to become members of Cycling Ireland and to stress cycling is open to all" adding "everyone is welcome to participate in cycling either for leisure or competition".
