UCI rules that trans women must wait two years to be eligible for competition

World cycling governing body UCI (Union Cycliste International) has announced overnight that transgender women seeking to compete in UCI-sanctioned events must wait 24 months before they are eligible to compete in women’s events.

In addition to the 24-month transition period, UCI has lowered the limit on serum testosterone from 5 nanomoles/liter to 2.5 nanomoles/liter.

According to the UCI’s statement, their rationale for the policy change came from "the latest scientific publications clearly demonstrate that the return of markers of endurance capacity to 'female level' occurs within six to eight months under low blood testosterone, while the awaited adaptations in muscle mass and muscle strength/power take much longer (two years minimum according to a recent study)."

The UCI statement added "this value corresponds to the maximum testosterone level found in 99.99% of the female population.

“This adjustment of the UCI’s eligibility rules is based on the state of scientific knowledge published to date in this area and is intended to promote the integration of transgender athletes into competitive sport, while maintaining fairness, equal opportunities and the safety of competitions.”

The UCI announced its decision as part of the Federation's Agenda 2030 - following its Management Committee meeting held from 14th to 16th June in France - which it said aims to make cycling the sport of the 21st century and make it more inclusive.

The UCI also noted a possibility to begin working with international sporting federations to support a research program to study the evolution of the physical performance of highly trained athletes under transitional hormone treatment.

On Sunday, world swimming governing body FINA is set to make a ruling on transgender athletes.