Comments are locked and will probably just be paywalled in the future. Following me around on the internet to misgender and harass me is a waste of time and energy. I'm not interested in having bad faith discussions or people unwilling to seriously engage with the subject they purport to be so passionate about.
Detransitioning to race bikes is a preposterous and cruel burden to place on someone. HRT has a scientifically proven impact on performance. You can debate the extent but from even a pure sporting and fairness perspective racing with the men is untenable. I would not be alive if I didn't transition and will not seriously engage with the implicit idea that I should detransition to continue racing.
Please consider our consider our shared obligation to do right by another when moving through the world.
“ I do not need to line up at a World Cup again but I won’t be able to sleep at night if I’m not fighting for the next woman who deserves a shot at everything this sport has given me.”
This. Yes. A thousand times yes. Which is why I love and respect you with everything I’ve got, Austin
Listen, this is a divide that I'm not sure can be bridged. I'm not a right-winger, and I have no religious affiliation, but I am a sports fan. And I believe with all my heart that a transgender woman or girl (born a male) should not be competing with non-trans women or girls - for the same reason that men and boys are generally not allowed to compete against women or girls. There is a genetic (physical) difference that cannot be undone. This does not mean that a transgender woman isn't free to live her fullest life outside of athletic competition. On the contrary, I would hope that the act of a person transitioning would bring a greater amount of joy to the world - apart from the right of trans-women to compete in athletic events against non-trans women.
I support women's sports and Trans rights. There is room for trans people in sports with weight, height, and other important classifications that establish fairness. Competitor classification systems have been a part of sport since its origins with the goal of eliminating discrimination and maintaining fairness...which matter equally. Wrestling is a perfect example...you don't pit a 140 lb. person against someone weighing 200 lbs. Trans athletes who want to compete should consider and support the equality and rights of natal female athletes.
Austin, you are a phenom and I know you will be equally successful in your next endeavor. watching you race been such an important part of my time in the bike industry. thank you for being a class act.
I'm so glad you were able to give your all and see at least some of the results of that, but even more glad to hear you say that you've enjoyed and relished the moments it's brought you. That's what I always wanted for you.
Austin... I am happy that you have been able to compete and do what makes you happy. It just feels like the governing bodies such as UCI are not trying to exclude you or others but keep the playing field level. I hope you will consider competing still as if makes you and many others happy!
Comments are locked and will probably just be paywalled in the future. Following me around on the internet to misgender and harass me is a waste of time and energy. I'm not interested in having bad faith discussions or people unwilling to seriously engage with the subject they purport to be so passionate about.
Detransitioning to race bikes is a preposterous and cruel burden to place on someone. HRT has a scientifically proven impact on performance. You can debate the extent but from even a pure sporting and fairness perspective racing with the men is untenable. I would not be alive if I didn't transition and will not seriously engage with the implicit idea that I should detransition to continue racing.
Please consider our consider our shared obligation to do right by another when moving through the world.
“ I do not need to line up at a World Cup again but I won’t be able to sleep at night if I’m not fighting for the next woman who deserves a shot at everything this sport has given me.”
This. Yes. A thousand times yes. Which is why I love and respect you with everything I’ve got, Austin
Listen, this is a divide that I'm not sure can be bridged. I'm not a right-winger, and I have no religious affiliation, but I am a sports fan. And I believe with all my heart that a transgender woman or girl (born a male) should not be competing with non-trans women or girls - for the same reason that men and boys are generally not allowed to compete against women or girls. There is a genetic (physical) difference that cannot be undone. This does not mean that a transgender woman isn't free to live her fullest life outside of athletic competition. On the contrary, I would hope that the act of a person transitioning would bring a greater amount of joy to the world - apart from the right of trans-women to compete in athletic events against non-trans women.
I support women's sports and Trans rights. There is room for trans people in sports with weight, height, and other important classifications that establish fairness. Competitor classification systems have been a part of sport since its origins with the goal of eliminating discrimination and maintaining fairness...which matter equally. Wrestling is a perfect example...you don't pit a 140 lb. person against someone weighing 200 lbs. Trans athletes who want to compete should consider and support the equality and rights of natal female athletes.
So sorry about the UCI ruling. Messaged you using IG Chats. Please take a look when you can.
Thank you Austin for sharing your story with such passion. Thanks for being such an awesome person. I will miss having you in the peloton.
Austin, you are a phenom and I know you will be equally successful in your next endeavor. watching you race been such an important part of my time in the bike industry. thank you for being a class act.
I'm so glad you were able to give your all and see at least some of the results of that, but even more glad to hear you say that you've enjoyed and relished the moments it's brought you. That's what I always wanted for you.
Austin... I am happy that you have been able to compete and do what makes you happy. It just feels like the governing bodies such as UCI are not trying to exclude you or others but keep the playing field level. I hope you will consider competing still as if makes you and many others happy!