Gender and pro cycling

[Melody]

My only questions about a transgender competetor just goes to show my ignorance on the subject.

There's no shame at ignorance. It just means you don't know.

Despite surgery wouldn't a TG rider still physiologically be male and therefore be stronger? For example, despite gender reassignment, a male heart and male lungs are probably larger than women's and could work harder/have greater capacity. I don't know enough about the process, but despite hormone treatment wouldn't a TG rider still have stronger muscles that could develop larger than women's?

Nope. Without the continued testosterone in the system, the muscles begin to atrophy and it requires a considerably more amount of training and exercise for them just to keep what they had. Add in estrogen and muscle strength goes down. Remove the testosterone factory, and it goes poof. (sorry about any mental images )

In my current ignorant state, this is what would concern me if I found myself on the startline with someone who was TG - the idea that they may have an unfair physical advantage because they have male genes.

Actually, they're at a disadvantage. Most TGs have bigger bone mass/density, and smaller (or equivalent) muscle mass/density. Thus, the power to weight ratio is lower. This doesn't mean they're all like that, but most of 'em will be.

Now, I've got am FTM (Female to Male) friend and he's the opposite. He's of small stature, but strong muscles, which would give him an advantage in some sports.

Mel