CBC.ca
Whistler, B.C. (CP) – A downhill mountain bike racer has been suspended for three months for wearing a T-shirt that mocked transgender cyclist Michelle Dumaresq.
The Canadian Cycling Association said Monday that Danika Schroeter of Maple Ridge, B.C., was suspended for actions that blemished “the image, the reputation or the interests of cycling.” The suspension will cost Schroeter a chance at competing at the upcoming world championships.
The incident occurred at the recent national mountain bike downhill championship in Whistler.
Dumaresq won the women’s race with Schroeter second. During the podium ceremony, Schroeter wore a white T-shirt with black print that said “100 Per Cent Pure Woman Champ.”
In handing out the suspension, the cycling association said Schroeter broke rules that guard against “any acts of violence, threats or insults or any other improper behaviour.”
Athletes may not “in word, gesture, writing or otherwise harm the reputation or question the honour of other license holders, officials, sponsors, federations, the UCI or cycling in general,” the association said in a release.
Schroeter has until Aug. 11 to appeal her suspension. If she chooses not to appeal, the suspension will come into effect on the following day and will last until October 12.
Controversy has followed Dumaresq, who underwent sex-reassignment surgery in 1996. Some of the riders she competes against say she has an unfair advantage because she was previously a man.
The Union Cycliste Internationale has allowed Dumaresq to compete at world championships and World Cup events.