Update: Transgender Participation Policy
On 5 July 2023, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Management Committee approved its new regulations on the eligibility of transgender athletes to compete in events on the UCI International Calendar. This results in an adaptation of the pre-existing UCI rules on the right of female transgender athletes to take part in competitions on the UCI International Calendar.
The meeting of the UCI Management Committee was held following a seminar on the conditions for the participation of transgender athletes in women's cycling events, organised by the UCI on 21 June 2023, at which the various stakeholders - transgender and cisgender athletes, experts from the scientific, legal and human rights fields, and sporting institutions - were able to present their respective positions.
The new regulations became effective on 17 July 2023. It is now the case that female transgender athletes who have transitioned after (male) puberty will be prohibited from participating in women's events on the UCI International Calendar – in all categories – in the various disciplines. See UCI Transgender Regulations here.
In reaching its decision, the UCI considered the current state of scientific knowledge on the effects of gender-affirming treatment on performance markers in transgender female cyclist and will continue to monitor and adapt its rules as future scientific knowledge evolves. See the UCI Communication here.
Cycling Ireland has to date recognised that consistency with UCI’s position on transgender athletes is appropriate for athletes to compete fairly in cycling events in Ireland. Consistent with that approach, the Board of Cycling Ireland at its meeting on 24 July 2023 considered the new UCI transgender regulations.
After careful consideration, the Board has decided to take the following actions:
• From 3 August 2023, to withdraw the Cycling Ireland’s Transgender People Policy (version 5B dated 20 February 2023).
• From 3 August 2023, to adopt the UCI Transgender Regulations; and
• To review the Cycling Ireland Transgender Policy.
In relation to domestic competition the following shall be the position:
• We encourage all cyclists irrespective of gender to continue to become members of Cycling Ireland and to stress cycling is open to all.
• Everyone is welcome to participate in cycling either for leisure or competition.
• From 3rd August 2023 for all competition races -
- Open Races will continue as they currently exist, open to all competitive licence holders irrespective of gender.
- Women’s Races are a protected class and available to only female riders who have not transitioned.
Cycling Ireland CEO Mr James Quilligan said:
“The decision taken by the Board is not an easy one and we fully acknowledge it will impact our trans and nonbinary members. 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”.