The Chicago CycloCross Cup, a series of cyclo-cross races, saw two men identifying as transgender, Tessa Johnson and Evelyn Williamson, taking first and second place in the women’s SingleSpeed race.
Transgender cyclists win 1st and 2nd place in WOMENS cycling competition.
The two men competed in the women’s category of Chicago CycloCross Cup.
The only woman to win a medal, took 3rd place. pic.twitter.com/Y2nJfZUrIM
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) October 13, 2023
Daily Mail reports that competitors have faced backlash over their participation in women’s cycling events. The only biological female to reach the podium was Allison Zmuda, who won the bronze medal, despite being the first-place biological female.
Tessa Johnson, 25, secured the first position with a time of 38:48, while Evelyn Williamson, 30, finished second with a time of 40:20, both completing a full fifth lap. Allison Zmuda, the biological female competitor, finished in 33:47 but completed only four laps. Johnson recorded the fastest lap time at 7:27, and Williamson’s fastest lap was 7:54, both of which were faster than Zmuda’s 8:19 fastest lap.
In the Women’s Cat Half event, Johnson took first place with a time of 43:49, while Lauren Wiscomb, a biological female, secured second place with a time of 46:22. Johnson won $150 in prize money, while Williamson, who finished fourth, received $75.
The Chicago CycloCross Cup adheres to USA Cycling’s Transgender Athlete Participation policies, where, for non-elite competition levels, individuals may self-select their gender. The Cup promotes “inclusivity” by allowing biological females to get destroyed in competition, and believes in a supportive community for competitive cyclo-cross racing, welcoming all racers regardless of gender identity, even if that means that some women will get completely dusted by males during competitions. Discrimination or harassment based on various attributes, including gender identity, is not tolerated at their events.
“At non-elite competition levels, a member may self-select their gender,” the policy states. “Members who transition to a gender different from their gender on file with USA Cycling should contact USA Cycling to be placed in a class and category appropriate for that person’s racing resume and experience. Members will be subject to the mandatory upgrade policy, and USA Cycling may re-categorize a member based on results achieved after a change in gender identity.”
