Olympic cyclist ‘let down’ by IOC transgender policies

A double Olympic cycling champion is the latest pro-athlete to challenge rules allowing men to compete as women.

Katie Archibald criticised the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over its handling of transgender participation in sport.

David Lappartient, president of Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), has called for the issue to be on the agenda of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations, saying: “We can’t just close our eyes on what is happening”.

Clear advantage

Archibald said she felt let down by the IOC for saying that there should not be an “assumed advantage for an athlete with a gender identity different to their sex”.

In an open letter, she wrote that the “retained advantage” in strength, stamina and physique after male puberty is well documented and admitted by the UCI president.

Archibald also called for collaboration between sporting bodies and the scientific community to ensure that fairness is not compromised.

Britain’s most successful female Olympian, Dame Laura Kenny, shared the letter on Twitter, saying: “I couldn’t agree more – well said, well written, thank you”.

Ready to boycott

According to a survey by the Cyclistes Professionnels Associés, 92 per cent of its female members disagree with trans athletes racing against women.

The leading riders’ union presented their findings to the UCI and called for the current guidance to be rescinded.

British Cycling’s Sara Symington said that riders were ready to stage a boycott over the rules.