A biological male who identifies as female has won a major women’s race in the US in what is believed to be a first for cycling.
Jillian Bearden was born a male but identifies as a transgender woman and has not had sex reassignment surgery.
However, while still a biological man she was able to take part in the event under new rules ushered in by an International Olympic Council decision.
Bearden took victory in the 106-mile El Tour de Tucson in Arizona at the weekend in a time of 4hrs 36mins, some 25mins behind the men’s winner; Mexican Olympic cyclist Hugo Rangel.
“It’s absolutely huge,” history-maker Bearden (36) told local reporters.
“We’re at a moment of time where not only do we have to come out but we have to be positive.
“We have to come together in solidarity and move this country in a direction that is accepting of all.”