August 29, 2002 – For the last few months some angry and disturbed mountain
bikers in Canada have petitioned the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) to
ban Michelle Dumaresq from womenís competitive downhill mountain biking.
The petition concludes that Dumaresq, formerly a man and now a post-op
transsexual woman, has unfair advantages over the competition. (See Pedal
News August 14, 2002; Worlds MTB National Team Controversy). The petition
also suggested that a new category for transgendered athletes be created.

The UCI confirmed a formal decision in an email regarding Dumaresq’s
participation in the women’s category, just prior to her anticipated
participation at the 2002 World Mountain Bike Championships in Kaprun,
Austria.

The UCI’s statement, issued by UCI Press Officer Enrico Carpani, was short
and to the point regarding the Dumaresq case “… (the) UCI has taken note
of the final decision of the Canadian Cycling Federation, which announced
that Michelle Dumaresq is a woman (from legal and medical point of view).
So, she is allowed to participate at the race in Kaprun.”

Dumaresq’s racing license was issued to her only after she produced a
female birth certificate earlier this year.

Dumaresq has been riding mountain bikes recreationally for the last fifteen
years. It was only this year that she applied for a license after trying
some races last year and liked the competitive side of mountain biking.
Just recently she won the Canada Cup DH Series title, which gave her a
berth on the Canadian National Downhill team.

On Monday, August 26, Dumaresq flew to Austria to compete. Very excited to
be attending the 2002 MTB Worlds, Dumaresq was happy about the UCI’s
decision. After over seven years of hormone therapy Dumaresq has
reportedly lost muscle mass, estrogen therapy has diminished her supply of
testosterone and her height has fluctuated, indicating some internal
changes. She feels that she doesn’t have an advantage over the other female
racers.

While Dumaresq has some supporters, her petitioners were obviously not
pleased with the final outcome. The decision could very likely set a
standard for other sports organizations worldwide.