A biological man destroyed the female competition by nearly 5 minutes in a 220-kilometer North Carolina cycling race, drawing carefully crafted backlash from the runner up.

Austin Kilips, 27, a transgender female cyclist, claimed top place on the podium with arguably enough time to squeeze in a power nap before second place was determined. 

Second place cyclist Paige Onweller said following the race that she believes everyone deserves a chance to compete, but something needs to be done to prevent biological men from participating in the female category.

“In the future, I feel a separate category is appropriate but event promoters are also learning what is best to preserve both female cycling while also creating an inclusive space for all to ride,” she said. 

Onweller finished the grueling Belgian Waffle Race race in 8 hours, thirty-two minutes and thirty-two seconds — 4 minutes and twenty-five seconds behind the leader Kilips. Onweller said afterwards that she was no match for Kilips.

Onweller added, “I plan to continue to support and attend BWR events in the future as I trust they will navigate this with respect for all riders going forward. I want to thank all event promoters for the work they do and the difficulty they face in these decisions.”

Female athlete of the year looks possible

The win wasn’t Kilips’ first. Last month, Kilips won the Tour of the Gila in Silver City, New Mexico.

“Existing publicly as an athlete has been new for me over the last couple of years. It is incredibly painful to be othered – queer, trans, non-binary athletes who feel inspired to survive, race and pursue the sport in every way,” Kilips lamented afterwards.

In April, Albertan male powerlifter Avi Silverberg identified as female seconds before smashing a female record that was previously held by a different trans female.