Upload video Video is not available The video will play automatically soon8Cancel Play now Laura Kenny reveals her crazy training routine while she was pregnant Transgender cyclist Emily Bridges was deemed unfit to compete in the women’s singles race against teams like Laura Kenny this weekend. The government cycling body Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has confirmed that it will not be able to compete in its first women’s race. The British Cycling said in a statement on Wednesday: “We have now been informed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) that according to its current guidelines Emily is not eligible to participate in this event.” British Cycling trans regulations, which were updated in January, state that riders’ testosterone levels must be below five nanometers per liter for a period of 12 months before the race. As part of her treatment for gender discomfort, the athlete underwent hormone therapy and was eligible to compete in women’s races due to low testosterone levels. Unfortunately for the 21-year-old, she will have to wait longer to participate in her first event. Transgender cyclist Emily Bridges will compete with Laura Kenny at the Morgan Newberry women’s omnium event: The cyclist has the luxury of dreaming thanks to the guidance of Dame Sarah Storey British Cycling regretted the decision taken and encouraged sports organizations to unite and make better decisions for all athletes. “We have been in close discussions with the UCI about Emily’s participation this weekend and we also have close contact with Emily and her family about going and participating in elite competitions,” said the British Cycling. “We recognize UCI’s decision on Emily’s involvement, but we fully acknowledge her frustration with today’s decision. Including transsexuals and non-binaries is more than just a race and an athlete – it’s a challenge for all elite sports.” “This is a complex area and with the union, we can share resources and ideas. “We want to encourage all sports, athletes, the transgender and non-binary community, the government and not just to come together and find a better answer.” Emily Bridges is not eligible for this weekend’s omnium event ( Picture: Getty Images) Earlier this month, controversy erupted around trans swimmer Leah Thomas, who became the first trans athlete to win an American Swimming Championships when she won the title in Atlanta. Thomas was backed by an open letter from 300 swimmers, including opponent Erica Sullivan – but her inclusion also met with opposition from another athlete, Hungary’s Reka Gyorgy, as well as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. When asked about the issue, Lord Sebastian Coe claimed that the “integrity” of women’s sports was on the line and his future was “fragile”. Coe also called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to introduce regulations that can be applied to any sport, and insisted that “gender can not prevail over biology.” read more Dame Sarah Storey’s mission to find the “best version of herself” and push women’s cycling read more Jason Kenny retires from cycling as Britain’s most award-winning Olympian takes up coaching job
