Race Results at the Masters Championships
During the USA Cycling Masters National Championships, held on July 1, 2025, in Wisconsin, a women’s race in the 55– 59 age division garnered national attention after the medal ceremony. Kate “KJ” Phillips, a transgender woman, took first place in the race. Following the finish, Julie Cutts Peterson, who came in second, declined to appear on the podium during the medal presentation.
The event was part of a multi-day championship series hosted by USA Cycling, which adheres to international guidelines for athlete eligibility, including gender participation based on current policies established by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
Post-Race Reaction and Media Coverage
Photos of the podium ceremony, showing Phillips standing alone in the gold medal position, began circulating on social media days later. Peterson, in later interviews, stated her decision to step away was personal. Other competitors in the field also voiced reactions, but USA Cycling has not issued a formal statement beyond confirming that all athletes met registration requirements.
Coverage of the event began appearing across national media platforms beginning July 2, with various perspectives shared by sports outlets and commentators. However, no official protests were filed through race management channels at the time of the event.
Policies and Guidelines in Cycling
USA Cycling adheres to the eligibility policies outlined by the UCI, which allow transgender women to compete in women’s events if specific hormone levels and timelines are met. These standards are currently under review by some governing bodies, but no changes have been implemented in the United States.
The Masters National Championships include multiple age brackets and skill categories, with hundreds of cyclists competing annually across various disciplines.
