Trans cyclist Austin Killips wins women’s race, sparks controversy.

Transgender Cyclist Austin Killips Wins Women’s Category in Tour of the Gila

Breaking free from the pack in the final stage of the Tour of the Gila in New Mexico, transgender cyclist Austin Killips clocked in at 3:07:16, taking the top spot on the podium ahead of Marcela Prieto and Cassandra Nelson by a margin of 89 seconds. The elite-level road race came with a whopping prize money of $35,000 for first place.

Controversy Surrounding Transgender Women Competing Against Biological Females

With the focus on transgender women competing against biological females taking center stage across the globe, Killips took some heat on social media for the victory. The 27-year-old was fully sanctioned to compete in the event under the rules set by cycling’s governing body, UCI. The situation has created a storm of controversy surrounding the sport’s rules.

Criticism from High-Profile Figures

Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, who last month called for a boycott of Nike over the apparel giant’s decision to use transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney to promote its sportswear for women, also hit out at Killips’ inclusion in the category. The criticism towards the cyclist, the tour, and UCI turned into social media abuse in many cases.

Protest from Former World Champion Cyclist

Former world champion cyclist Alison Sydor also tweeted: “The current UCI rules that allow males to compete in female cycling events are not fair to female athletes. Time for UCI to admit this current rule situation is unsustainable and leaving a black mark on cycling as a fair sport for females.”

Retirement of 35-Time Winner on National Cyclocross Circuit

Killips’ emergence on the cyclocross circuit was part of the reason Hannah Arensman, a 35-time winner on the national cyclocross circuit, retired from the sport recently. Arensman’s protest towards transgender cyclists competing in the women’s category made it all the way to the Supreme Court.

Celebration of Victory Despite Controversy

Despite the storm, Killips and her team have been celebrating the victory. “This win was possible thanks to the community and connections I’ve been fortunate enough to build over the years through bikes,” Killips wrote on Instagram. “After a week of nonsense on the internet, I’m especially thankful to everyone in the peloton and sport who continue to affirm that Twitter is not real life. I love my peers and competitors and am grateful for every opportunity I get to learn and grow as a person and athlete on course together.”

• Transgender cyclist Austin Killips finished in first place in the women’s category in the Tour of the Gila.
• Killips broke free from the pack late in the final stage of the tour in New Mexico, clocking in at 3:07:16 in a time that saw her take the top spot on the podium ahead of Marcela Prieto and Cassandra Nelson by a margin of 89 seconds.
• The elite-level road race came with whopping prize money of $35,000 for first place.
• Former world champion cyclist Alison Sydor tweeted: “The current UCI rules that allow males to compete in female cycling events are not fair to female athletes. Time for UCI to admit this current rule situation is unsustainable and leaving a black mark on cycling as a fair sport for females.”
• Killips’ emergence on the cyclocross circuit was part of the reason Hannah Arensman, a 35-time winner on the national cyclocross circuit, retired from the sport recently.

Despite the controversy, Killips and her team have been celebrating the victory.

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