Former Olympian says she was 'gobsmacked' over former team's scathing remarks on her views on trans policy

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Inga Thompson, a three-time Olympian who came out against cycling’s transgender participation policy in wake of Austin Killips’ Tour of the Gila win, said Friday she was surprised over the way her former team ridiculed her for her viewpoints.

Thompson called for cyclists to protest against Union Cycliste Internationale’s (UCI) policy, including "taking a knee at the starting lines." Later, Cynisca Cycling announced it has removed Thompson as director.

"If shared in the absence of politics, Inga’s knowledge and experience would benefit many and advance cycling for everyone," the team said. "However, she has decided to dedicate her time to excluding people who are otherwise and currently eligible to compete in UCI events. She has also attempted to use our team as a platform for her political activity."

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Inga Thompson Bennett in August 1986. (Duane Howell/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Thompson told The Telegraph she never used the team as a platform and was only "advocating for women’s sports."

"When I first had the statement sent to me, I thought it was an internal document," Thompson added. "Then, about an hour later, I realized it was a public document, and I was horrified. This is exactly why people don’t speak up, because this is what happens when you do."

Thompson said she was not even the director at that point. She said she stopped the role 10 days before Cynisca’s scathing statement.

"I’m gobsmacked. I got taken off the team in late November, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I told them that I needed to step down because I needed to take care of my health," she