Women’s cycling team manager speaks out after trans athlete competes against females in major competition
Nicola Cranmer, general manager of the women's professional cycling team Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28, has spoken out after her riders competed against a transgender athlete, Amanda Tait, at the Philadelphia Cycling Classic. Cranmer, who has worked in women's cycling for more than 20 years, said the incident raised legitimate questions about whether proper eligibility processes had been followed, arguing that governing bodies such as the UCI must apply clear, consistent rules to preserve fairness and confidence in women's racing.
The race, sanctioned by the UCI with domestic licensing handled by USA Cycling, began at 8:35am on Sunday; Tait was later dropped from the field under standard time-cut rules before finishing. A race official said Tait's licence appeared valid and gave no indication of ineligibility, adding that eligibility determinations are USA Cycling's responsibility rather than that of individual race officials. Tait has reportedly competed in over 60 women's events and placed fourth at the USA Cycling Masters and Junior Road National Championships in June, finishing ahead of Olympic gold medallist Gwen Jorgensen.
- Team manager questions eligibility process after trans athlete raced in women's event
- Officials say Tait's licence appeared valid, cleared by USA Cycling
- Tait didn't finish the race but has placed highly in past events