Trans Cyclist’s Victory at USA Cycling Event Sparks Fierce Protest from Female Rivals

In a whirlwind of pedals and protests, Kate Phillips, a trans-identifying athlete, clinched the women’s title at the Lyons Masters National Championships in Wisconsin, leaving veteran cyclists fuming. Julie Peterson, who took second, refused to step onto the podium, her silent stand echoing the frustration of competitors blindsided by Phillips’ participation. "You could see the power difference clear as day," Peterson told WTFNewsRoom, her voice thick with exasperation. She only learned of Phillips’ entry after shelling out thousands for travel and time off work, a bitter pill for an event she might’ve skipped had she known.

Debbie Milne, finishing seventh, didn’t hold back either. With 25 years of racing under her belt, she argued that biological differences—monthly cycles, hormonal shifts—create challenges no male-born athlete could grasp. "It’s not just about fairness; it’s about experiences only women endure," she said, lamenting the lack of transparency from USA Cycling. Milne drove 13 hours for the race, unaware of the terms she’d face.

Kristina Gray, another veteran cyclist, didn’t compete but backed her peers, sharing her own battles racing against trans athletes in Oregon. "It’s practically every weekend now," she said, describing the constant presence of biological males in women’s races. The trio has since teamed up with the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS) to amplify their concerns, spotlighting USA Cycling’s transgender eligibility policy, which allows biological males to compete under specific conditions.

As national sports bodies like USA Gymnastics and USA Fencing grapple with similar controversies, the debate over transgender policies in women’s sports is hitting fever pitch. From podium protests to federal probes, the push for clarity and fairness is shaking up the game.