The cyclocross scene is bracing for a repeat of last year’s anti-transgender protests when the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships take place in Hartford, Connecticut on 11 December.
This year, trans women are going to be much more visible and have landed on UCI elite women’s podiums. Austin Killips (Nice Bikes) worked her way from top 20s last year to a victory in the Northampton C2 race last month and is considered to be a contender for the title on Sunday.
With improved results comes more attention, and not only the positive kind. Cyclingnews has seen social media posts claiming dozens have signed up for a "secret" protest at national championships.
In 2021, a local feminist group waving "Save Women’s Sport" signs reportedly harassed and heckled trans women during the elite women’s championship race in Wheaton, Illinois as part of a nationwide anti-transgender campaign that was not limited to sporting events.
USA Cycling was heavily criticized for their lack of a response , with officials standing nearby but not taking action to remove the offending group.
Cyclingnews has been unable to confirm the legitimacy of the protest rumours. Beth Stelzer, the founder of Save Women’s Sport, who protesters claimed to represent last year, refused to comment or confirm the plan, saying she has stepped down from the organisation.
Assuming the talk of protests is true, Cyclingnews reached out to USA Cycling to find out what steps they have taken to ensure riders are safe."After the protest at the 2021 Cyclocross Nationals and additional questions […]
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