A biological male won a women’s cycling competition five minutes ahead of the runner-up.

“It was just a grueling effort. I am just really proud to lay it out there and get the result. I asserted myself and was able to get a gap early,” said 27-year-old transgender cyclist Austin Killips, who came in first on Saturday against biological women in a 137-mile-long North Carolina race called the Belgian Waffle Ride. Killips reportedly took the lead by mile 13 and held it for the rest of the race.

Paige Onweller, the runner-up who lost to Killips, said her “power is not comparable” to Killips.

“Most of the day I was riding with the top three women together: me, Austin and Flavia,” Onweller said. “But I just couldn’t match Austin—you know, the power is not comparable.”

Onweller suggested trans-identifying athletes should have their own category to compete in sports.

“Underneath all helmets is a face and a person who deserves respect, dignity and a safe space to ride bikes,” Onweller said. “In the future, I feel a separate category may be 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.”

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