‘Start Taking a Knee’: Former US Olympian Calls for Protests Against UCI’s Trans Cyclist Policy

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DYLAN GWINN 7 May 2023

A former three-time U.S. Olympian is calling on cyclists to take a knee at the start line in protest of the world’s cycling governing body’s decision to allow trans cyclists to compete in the female category.

Inga Thompson, a road cyclist for Team USA, took to Twitter Sunday after a week filled with controversy following trans cyclist Austin Killips’ “victory” in the Tour of the Gila overall category against female riders last week.

“It is time for Women Cyclist to start protesting @UCI_cycling Policy,” Thompson tweeted. “Start taking a knee at the starting lines. Team managers need to speak up and protect their riders. Hold signs at every race ‘Save Women’s Sports.’”

UCI, or the Union Cyclist Internationale, is the world governing body for cycling. It was UCI that decided to allow males to compete against females but then seemed to backpedal somewhat following severe backlash on social media from legendary female athletes such as Martina Navratilova.

“The UCI’s objective remains the same: to take into consideration, in the context of the evolution of our society, the desire of transgender athletes to practice cycling,” the UCI said. “The UCI also hears the voices of female athletes and their concerns about an equal playing field for competitors and will take into account all elements, including the evolution of scientific knowledge.”

Inga Thompson #49 of the USA speaks to a television reporter after the Women’s Road Race in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia near Barcelona on July 26, 1992, during the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. (David Madison/Getty Images)

Killips is the first trans female to win a UCI-sanctioned stage race. If Thompson, an actual female, and winner of three silver medals at the UCI Road World Championships, has her way, Killips will also be the last trans rider to win a UCI event.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Females should just refuse to compete! Walk away from the starting line. Let the trans run the race alone. See how many sponsers pay for that! Do it for every sport until the idiocy ceases.

  2. Obama’s Transgender law is so obnoxious the population is finding it hard to
    deal with. If 2% of the population has identity problems should the 98% have to
    make the 2% run things????
    Gays should have formed a partnership instead being able to “marry”.
    Marriage & partnership have the same advantages. But to include them
    in marriage is so stupid when marriage has a thousand years of history.
    Transgenders don’t want to believe that they have a mental problem.
    They can be whatever they want to be but to have a law saying the 98% have
    to agree to their demands is a sickness in it’s self. Transgender lives will never allow the
    person to live without problems. So, make them able to demand certain acceptable
    actions from the normal society. Be what you want to be just don’t demand I make
    it acceptable. You have my sympathy. Isn’t that enough??? It is laughable to see
    a man dressed like a woman & I have to say she!!!

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