Award declined after trans women not included

Claire Sharpe said she was "honoured" to be named in Cycling UK 100 women in Cycling but "decided to decline"

A cycling influencer nominated for a list of top 100 women cyclists said she has declined the honour due to the decision not to include trans women.

Cycling UK, a charity promoting the sport, has compiled its 100 Women in Cycling list for the last nine years, but this year decided only to include biological women following the recent unanimous UK Supreme Court ruling defining a "woman" and "sex" in law.

Claire Sharpe, a cycling guide and coach from Bristol, said: "If they don't want to ride with all women, then it's not the kind of ride I want to be part of".

Cycling UK said it remained committed to "including and supporting all those who cycle" while a women's campaign group praised the list.

Faye McGinty of the Women's Rights Network said she "welcomed" the charity's decision to only honour biological women in this year's list.

"Upholding the Supreme Court ruling is not optional and we are pleased that Cycling UK is complying with the law," she said.

Claire Sharpe started cycling during the Covid-19 pandemic and is now a qualified coach

Ms Sharpe said she is one of four Bristol riders who have declined to feature in the ranking.

Speaking to BBC Bristol, Ms Sharpe said: "[The list] was originally set up to celebrate women who inspire, encourage and empower people to experience the joy of cycling.

"By excluding trans and non-binary people, it's just not doing what I think it was set up to do. It excludes people that have helped create the community that I was nominated for."

Ms Sharpe said trans women were important players in the sport and urged them not to be disheartened by Cycling UK's decision.

"They're not a reflection of the communities that we've built and certainly in Bristol, there are so many options to go out and ride with people who aren't taking this stance. You're very welcome," she added.

Sarah Mitchell, chief executive of Cycling UK, said the decision was based on legal advice in response to the unanimous court ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law.

"For our awards to comply with the law we have to limit who can be considered for an award to biological women only," she explained.

"This change to the awards doesn't alter our strong commitment to including and supporting all those who cycle, including transgender and non-binary people.

"We truly believe cycling is for all, and we'll keep working towards that goal."

However, Ms McGinty argued it is women who are "unfairly excluded" from this type of accolade when the nominations include trans women and non-binary people.

"We would also like to see many of the UK sports National Governing Bodies that haven't yet updated their unfair policies for both elite and grassroots participants follow suit," she added.