“This is not OK!” Female competitive cyclers protest against the unfair advantage of transgender women overtaking the sport
The issue of transgender athletes participating in sports has seeped further into cycling as female cyclists outrage.
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Tiffany Thomas, a transgender female cyclist, wins NY Women's Cycling event (Credits: New York Post)
The issue of transgender athletes participating in sports has become a contention for several people, especially the conservative faction of society and gender-assigned females. The focal issue about transgender women overtaking gender assigned females in female competitive sports has now become a major issue of worry for everyone within sporting fraternity.
This issue has now seeped into cycling, wherein the rising dominance of transgender women in the sport has frequently been questioned. Several female cyclists have protested against competition with transgender women as ‘unfair and discouraging’.
One cyclist, Holly Lavesser, says she even thought of leaving the sport after being “forced to compete in unfair competitions.” She further adds, “As a young woman, you look up to these role models and you think the sky is the limit. You believe that if you put in enough training, if you have the talent, the skill, that you could be the best. But when you’re forced to compete against males that have these physical advantages, it’s just not a reality anymore.”
Related: World Athletics announces ban on DSD and transgender athletes
Female cyclists outraged from competing against transgender women in the sport
Tiffany Thomas, who recently won NYC women’s cycling event, has been doing rounds on the paper ever since the weekend. However, this has brought in several contentions from other female athletes who believe it is unfair to have biologically male persons to participate in female sports.
According to Holly Lavesser, if biological males were to compete against females, then events such as Tour de France would accommodate males and females participating alongside in one competition. She adds, “It’s physical strength, having enough strength to turn the pedal that’s lung capacity, putting yourself out in an effort as hard as you possibly can. And it’s the training that goes into building a base over many, many years. “
“You develop skill, and talent in your bike handling ability. Many of the males that enter competitions that require technical skills don’t have these skills built up from years of racing, but rather relied just on pure power and strength to go fast,” adds Lavesser.
Hannah Arensman, a 35-time winner on the national cyclocross circuit, had to retire from the sport after finishing in fourth place between two transgender females. She says, “My sister and family sobbed as they watched a man finish in front of me, having witnessed several physical interactions with him throughout the race.”
Arensman further adds, “I have felt deeply angered, disappointed, overlooked, and humiliated that the rule makers of women’s sports do not feel it is necessary to protect women’s sports to ensure fair competition for women anymore.”
The premier body for cycling in the US, USA Cycling, has assured that all its members have equal opportunities in the sport. In their statement, they reiterate, ” We are committed to ensuring that all USA Cycling members have equal access and opportunities to participate in cycling events in a manner that is fair to all competitors while preserving the integrity of the sport and respecting international competition regulations.”
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Siddid Dey Purkayastha
(528 Articles Published)