Women's Tour of the Gila won by transgender cyclist Austin Killip

By Naveen May 03, 2023

Austin Killips, a trans male cyclist, won the women's category at the Tour of the Gila in New Mexico.

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Killips only began cycling in 2019 after starting hormone replacement therapy.

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This year's Tour of the Gila marked the first time in its 36-year history that equal prize money was offered.

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Killips earned almost £8,000 for finishing top of the women's general classification, as well as an £800 bonus as "Queen of the Mountains."

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Killips' success has been controversial, with some arguing that it highlights issues for women in cycling.

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Female riders have lobbied for an outright ban on transgender athletes competing in the women's peloton.

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The UCI's liberal transgender policy currently allows Killips to compete, provided testosterone levels are suppressed below 2.5 nanomoles per litre over a two-year period.

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