Transgender Athlete Participation Policy FAQ

What is the purpose of the USA Cycling Transgender Athlete Participation Policy?

The policy aims to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, can participate in cycling in a safe, harassment-free environment. It also seeks to maintain fair competition by addressing the eligibility of transgender athletes who wish to compete in categories different from their gender assigned at birth.

Where can I find the complete policy?

You can view the complete policy here.

Who does this policy apply to?

This policy applies to current, former, and persons who have never been members of USA Cycling as well as athletes who wish to be eligible to compete at a national championship or set national records in a gender category that differs from their gender assigned at birth. 

When does the updated policy come into effect?

The updated policy is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2024.

How can a transgender athlete apply to compete in a different category?

Transgender athletes who wish to compete in a gender category different from their gender assigned at birth must complete a completed Self Identity Verification Request (group B) or an Elite Athlete Fairness Evaluation Application (group A).

Where do I find the form to submit an application as a group A athlete?

Use this link to submit an Elite Athlete Fairness Evaluation Application for review. For questions or concerns, please contact the USA Cycling Technical Director at [e-mail].

Where do I find the form to submit an application as a group B athlete?

Use this link to submit a Self Identity Verification Request for review.  For questions or concerns, please contact the USA Cycling Technical Director at [e-mail]. 

What defines a Group A and Group B Athlete?

Group A and B Athletes are defined as athletes competing at or above their highest category thresholds in any discipline regardless of age:

Discipline	Group A Athletes	Group B Athletes
Road	Pro & Cat. 1, 2	Cat. 3, 4, Novice
Track	Pro & Cat. 1, 2	Cat. 3, 4, Novice
Cyclo-Cross	Pro & Cat. 1, 2	Cat. 3, 4, Novice
Mountain Bike	Pro	Cat. 1, 2, 3
BMX	All	N/A

If an athlete is a Group A Athlete for one discipline, they are a Group A Athlete across all disciplines.

What is the application and requirement process and timeline for Group A Athletes?

1. Athletes submit signed Elite Athlete Fairness Evaluation Application to the USA Cycling Technical Director 90 days prior to the first day of the event the athlete wants to participate in as a group A athlete or National Championship.
2. The Technical Director will then submit the Elite Athlete Fairness Evaluation Application to the Elite Athlete Fairness Evaluation Panel
3. The Panel, made up of three independent medical experts, will review the submitted Elite Athlete Fairness Evaluation Application to confirm the following: 
   1. Medical documentation demonstrating that their total testosterone level in serum has been below 2.5 nmol/L for at least 24 months.
   2. Appropriate consents and waivers to enable the athlete’s physician(s) to disclose to the Panel any information that the Panel deems necessary to its assessment.
4. During the review period, additional testing may be requested if needed.
5. The panel will make their decision on the athlete’s submission
6. The decision will be communicated to the Technical Director
7. The Technical Director will communicate the decision to the athlete
8. The athlete must maintain a total testosterone level in serum must remain below 2.5 nmol/L throughout the period of desired eligibility to compete in the female category.

Are there any specific requirements for Group B Transgender Athletes?

Group B Transgender Athletes Must provide the following for consideration

• Submit Self-Identity Verification Request regarding their gender identity to the USA Cycling Technical Director 30 days prior to the first day of the event they aim to compete in.

What if my race is less than 30 days away?

Athletes may request an expedited review of their application during the application submission process.

Are there any specific requirements for Transgender Athletes seeking to compete at a National Championship?

• Transgender athletes seeking to compete at a National Championship in Elite, U23, or Junior 17-18 categories must follow the guidelines set forth by the UCI.
• Transgender athletes seeking to compete at a National Championship for Collegiate categories will follow the eligibility conditions for Group B athletes.
  • All athletes competing in the collegiate events are considered Group B regardless of Group A classification in other disciplines. 
• Transgender athletes seeking to compete at a National Championship for Masters, Junior 16 and under, or any other event where a National Champion is declared must follow the eligibility conditions for Group A athletes.

Are there any specific requirements for Transgender Athletes seeking to compete at locally sanctioned USA Cycling events?

Transgender athletes seeking to compete at a USA Cycling sanctioned event must follow the guidelines set forth by the Transgender Athlete Participation Policy. Athletes are required to follow requirements for Group A or Group B Athletes, based on their highest category across all disciplines. 

Are there any specific requirements for Transgender Athletes seeking to compete at a UCI sanctioned international event?

Transgender athletes seeking to compete at a UCI sanctioned international event must follow the guidelines set forth by the UCI.

What if an athlete disagrees with the panel’s decision regarding their eligibility?

Athletes have the option to appeal decisions made by the Elite Athlete Fairness Panel. Please contact the USA Cycling Technical Director to begin the appeal process here [e-mail] 

How often will I need to re-certify my eligibility?

The Elite Athlete Fairness Panel will determine the length of the eligibility period based on the individual athlete.

If I have been approved by the UCI, under their current regulations, do I still need to complete an application with USA Cycling?

Yes, you will still need to complete the application that applies to you (group A or B)

Can I be considered a Group A athlete in one discipline and a Group B athlete in another discipline. 

Once an athlete achieves Group A status in one discipline, the athlete will be considered as a Group A Athlete in all disciplines they participate in, except for when the athlete is competing in a Collegiate event.

Are UCI registered teams and/or a Domestic Elite Team Group A or Group B Athletes?

Group A

Is confidentiality maintained throughout this process?

Yes, USA Cycling is committed to maintaining strict confidentiality regarding athlete information and the results of any examinations or assessments conducted under this policy, in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

Does this policy affect an athlete's obligations under anti-doping rules?

No, athletes must continue to fully comply with the Anti-Doping Rules set forth by WADA, USADA, USA Cycling, and the UCI. To learn more about the TUE process visit the WADA website here. 

Can race directors or officials inquire about my gender identity as it relates to race eligibility?

Race directors and officials may only inquire whether you are or are not eligible to race and may not inquire on your gender identity. Please contact [e-mail] if you have experienced otherwise at a USA Cycling event.