The Beeb has learned nothing.

Award declined after trans women not included

A cycling influencer nominated for a list of top 100 women cyclists said she has declined the honour due to the decision not to include trans women.

Cycling UK, a charity promoting the sport, has compiled its 100 Women in Cycling list for the last nine years, but this year decided only to include biological women following the recent unanimous UK Supreme Court ruling defining a “woman” and “sex” in law.

Or to put it more truthfully and clearly: but this year decided to include only women rather than women plus men who call themselves women.

The label “biological women” is absurd. There is no other kind.

Claire Sharpe, a cycling guide and coach from Bristol, said: “If they don’t want to ride with all women, then it’s not the kind of ride I want to be part of”.

But of course they do want to ride with all women; what they reject is riding with women and some men who call themselves women.

But the BBC remains the BBC.

Ms Sharpe said she is one of four Bristol riders who have declined to feature in the ranking.

Speaking to BBC Bristol, Ms Sharpe said: “[The list] was originally set up to celebrate women who inspire, encourage and empower people to experience the joy of cycling. By excluding trans and non-binary people, it’s just not doing what I think it was set up to do. It excludes people that have helped create the community that I was nominated for.”

Ms Sharpe said trans women were important players in the sport and urged them not to be disheartened by Cycling UK’s decision. “They’re not a reflection of the communities that we’ve built and certainly in Bristol, there are so many options to go out and ride with people who aren’t taking this stance. You’re very welcome,” she added.

Blah blah blah. The BBC has learned nothing.