Transgender cyclist Emily Bridges has criticized British Cycling for banning trans athletes from women’s events, labeling the policy as a form of suppression within the sport. Bridges described the decision as an act of violence and argued that it targets athletes who do not conform to traditional gender assumptions.
The rider claimed that the federation is influenced by coaches who express homophobic attitudes and fail to address bullying among competitors. Bridges suggested that some voices in the sport promote eating disorders and argue that diversity is pursued without genuine commitment to inclusivity. In a pointed message on social media, Bridges questioned the federation’s approach to diversity, suggesting that the sport remains dominated by a narrow cultural palette and that the organization’s priorities do not adequately reflect the needs of all athletes.
Bridges indicated that the dispute might prompt consideration of relocation abroad, describing the United Kingdom as a place where British Cycling’s decisions create a sense of exclusion and frustration. The discussion reflects broader tensions within cycling over how transgender athletes should participate in competitions and how policies balance fairness with inclusion.
Earlier in her career, Bridges set a national junior record in 2018. After coming out as transgender in October 2020, she began hormone therapy to align her physiology with her gender identity and to address testosterone levels as part of ongoing competition readiness.
British Cycling has stated that transgender athletes may compete in what is often referred to as the open category, while competition limited to athletes whose gender was assigned female at birth is reserved for events designated for women. This framework is part of a broader policy discussion about eligibility criteria in a sport that is increasingly attentive to gender diversity and fairness in competition.
In related comments, Elena Vyalbe, the former president of the Russian Ski Racing Federation, shared perspective on the participation of transgender individuals in sport, underscoring that views on eligibility vary widely across different sports and regions. The conversation around transgender participation continues to evolve as federations weigh scientific data, athlete welfare, and competitive integrity.