British Cycling bars transgender females from competing against biological women

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

British Cycling announced Friday that transgender females will not be permitted to compete against biological women.

The organization will have an "open" category, which will allow transgender women, transgender men, non-binary individuals and those born male and female to compete.

Transgender men that have yet to begin hormone therapy will be able to compete in the female category, while the current men's category will be consolidated into the open category.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

A pack of riders cycles on the Valico di Chiunzi in the sixth stage of the Giro d'Italia 2023 cycling race May 11, 2023.  (Luca Bettini/AFP via Getty Images)

The new policy is the result of a nine-month review that included a consultation process with riders and stakeholders, including members of Britain’s team, and a study of available medical research led by British Cycling’s chief medical officer, Dr. Nigel Jones. That research was said to show a clear performance advantage for individuals who go through puberty as a male, and one which cannot be fully mitigated by testosterone suppression.

Riders sprint to the finish during the 6th RideLondon Classique 2023, Stage 1, a 146.4-kilometer race from Saffron Walden to Colchester May 26, 2023, in Colchester, England.  (Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

CYCLING GOVERNING BODY DEFENDS TRANSGENDER PARTICIPATION RULES AFTER UPROAR

"It’s an incredibly emotive and, at times, divisive subject area," said Jon Dutton, chief executive of British Cycling. "We have taken many months to look at three areas: Firstly, a consultation with the athletes affected and the wider cycling community;