Trans cyclist Emily Bridges banned from racing at British meeting after UCI ruling

The trans woman cyclist Emily Bridges has been blocked from participating in the British National Omnium Championship on Saturday after cycling’s governing body, the UCI, ruled she was ineligible.

The 21-year-old Bridges, who has been racing in men’s events even while transitioning, had been due to compete against top British Olympians, including Dame Laura Kenny. That was causing considerable frustration among some GB riders, with mounting talk of a boycott of the event.

However on Thursday evening the UCI ruled that Bridges was not in compliance with its regulations as she is still registered as a male cyclist - and cannot compete as a woman until her current UCI ID expires.

In a statement confirming the news, British Cycling said: “Under the British Cycling Transgender and Non-Binary Participation policy, Emily Bridges was due to participate in the British National Omnium Championships on Saturday 2nd April.

“We have now been informed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) that under their current guidelines Emily is not eligible to participate in this event. We have been in close discussions with the UCI regarding Emily’s participation this weekend and have also engaged closely with Emily and her family regarding her transition and involvement in elite competitions. We acknowledge the decision of the UCI with regards to Emily’s participation, however we fully recognise her disappointment with today’s decision.”

British Cycling also called for what it called a ‘coalition’ to address transgender and non-binary participation in elite sports.

“Transgender and non-binary inclusion is bigger than one race and one athlete – it is a challenge for all elite sports. We believe all participants within our sport deserve more