Trans Athlete Wins USA Cycling Women’s Race Amid Protest

At the Lyons Masters National Championships in Wisconsin, transgender athlete Kate Phillips won first place in the women's cycling category, sparking significant protest and controversy. Second-place finisher Julie Peterson refused to take the podium in protest, stating she was unaware Phillips, a biological male, was competing and would not have participated had she known, citing an unfair physical advantage. Peterson and veteran cyclist Debbie Milne both criticized USA Cycling for allowing Phillips to compete without transparent communication to other competitors. Milne highlighted the physiological differences experienced by biological females, such as menstrual cycles, which she argued create inherent disadvantages in competition against male-born athletes. Both athletes expressed frustration with being reprimanded for calling Phillips male, emphasizing the need for fairness and clarity in sport categories. The incident has reignited debate over transgender participation in women's sports and the balance between inclusion and competitive equity.