Austin Killips has been making headlines for becoming the first transgender competitor to win a globally-sanctioned stage race. However, controversy has followed various victories as her status in the female division has been met with anger and frustration from other competitors.
Killips won cycling’s Belgian Waffle Race: North Carolina on Saturday, finishing in eight hours, 28 minutes, and seven seconds. Paige Onweller finished four minutes behind Killips. Afterward, she spoke out about how she wanted everyone to feel supported but felt like it would be fairer for there to be separate categories.
“For those following women’s road cycling, you are aware of the UCI rule that this is currently allowed. Rather than sharing my personal opinions about the UCI rule, I think it’s most important to recognize that all athletes, no matter how they identify, should have a space to compete and race.
“Additionally, underneath all helmets is a face and a person who deserves respect, dignity, and a safe space to ride bikes,” Onweller stated in a news release, via Cycling News.
“In the future, I feel a separate category is appropriate, but event promoters are also learning what is best to preserve both female cycling while also creating an inclusive space for all to ride. These things take both time and grace to resolve.
“I plan to continue to support and attend BWR events in the future as I trust they will navigate this with respect for all riders going forward. I want to thank all event promoters for the work they do and the difficulty they face in these decisions.”
Cyclist Hannah Arensman retired last year in part because she finished behind Killips in a race and felt that the sport was no longer fair.
[Fox News]
