Austin Killips was not happy with the International Cycling Union’s new policies for transgender participation in women’s events, announced on Friday.
Killips, 27, is the first openly transgender female to win an official UCI stage race, most recently coming in first place in the North Carolina 131-mile Belgian Waffle Ride in June and finishing five minutes before her runner-up.
The victory caused backlash and an eventual rule change from UCI, which now prohibits trans cyclists who “transitioned after (male) puberty” from competing in women’s events.
“I am devastated by the UCI’s decision to renege on the policy and framework they previously set out for inclusion,” Killips wrote in an Instagram post on Sunday.
“My journey in professional racing has allowed me to see the world, build lifelong friendships, and most importantly give my absolute all to something I find deeply fulfilling. No one should be denied the opportunity to chase the same joy that I and others have found through racing.”
The UCI governing body’s rule change goes into effect on Monday, entering those who do not meet the criteria for the women’s category into what’s now called the men/open category.
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Discussions at the July 5 meeting cited “scientific uncertainties” regarding the potential physical advantage of trans cyclists as a reason for the policy adjustment.
“In this context, the UCI Management Committee concluded, considering the remaining scientific uncertainties, that it was necessary to take this measure to protect the female class and ensure equal opportunities,” the UCI said in a statement, according to Fox News.
Killips further expressed her frustration on SubStack and said a “cabal of right wingers” were to blame for the ban on trans athletes in women’s races.
“Surely if it wasn’t me someone else would have become the scapegoat but the unfortunate matter is that I’m one of the figures that pushed the limits of inclusion for this particular moment and a cabal of right wingers who want nothing but the worst for the world were able to successfully weaponize it,” Killips wrote in the SubStack post.
Before announcing the new policy in July, the UCI governing body initially defended its previous transgender policy after Killips won the Tour of Gila in New Mexico in May.
