The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has tightened the rules for admitting transgender people to participate in cycling competitions.
The principle of eligibility for transgender athletes (especially transwomen) is based on testosterone levels and the time required to achieve reversibility.
– Recent scientific publications clearly demonstrate that the return of endurance performance to “female level” takes place in six to eight months with low blood testosterone levels, while the expected adaptation of muscle mass and strength muscle building takes much longer (at least two years, according to recent research). Given the important role of muscle strength and power in cycling, the UCI has decided to extend the transition period for low testosterone from 12 months to 24 months.
In addition, the UCI has decided to lower the maximum authorized level of plasma testosterone from 5 nmol/L to 2.5 nmol/L. This value corresponds to the maximum level of testosterone in 99.99% of the female population, specifies the UCI in a press release.
The rules go into effect July 1.
Source : MatchTV
