Sports writing (EFE).- The International Cycling Union (UCI) will prohibit the participation of transgender female athletes who have made their sex change after puberty in the female events of their international calendar as of next Monday.
In a statement published this Friday, the UCI indicated that it has made this decision “in view of current scientific knowledge” about the influence on sports performance of treatments to change sex.
“Taking into account the scientific uncertainties that persist, it is necessary to take this measure that seeks to protect the female category and guarantee equal opportunities,” the organization said.
He added that the ban could be adapted “depending on future scientific knowledge” and assured that he would exchange information with other international federations and the sports movement to establish a research program to study the evolution of physical performance of athletes undergoing hormonal treatments. transition.
They will be able to participate in the international Masters tests
The UCI indicated that transgender athletes will be able to participate in the so-called non-professional Masters international events, in which the male category will be renamed “Male/Open”, which will include athletes who do not meet the conditions to be in the female category.
The president of the UCI, David Lappartient, indicated that this decision does not call into question that cycling is a sport open to all and that it does not deny the right of each one to choose the sex they want, even if it is different from the one attributed to them in the birth.
“But the duty of the UCI is to guarantee equal opportunities for all participants in cycling competitions,” said Lappartient, who adopt this ban “as a precautionary measure.”
The UCI’s decision comes after having held several meetings with experts on the subject.