A FEMALE cyclist has slammed her "unfair" competition after losing a world championship race to a trans woman.

UCI Masters Track World Championship bronze medalist Jen Wagner-Assali made the disparaging remarks on Twitter after losing out to Rachel McKinnon.

3 Rachel McKinnon (middle) became the first openly transgender world title winner in any sport

I was the 3rd place rider. It’s definitely NOT fair. — dr. jen wagner-assali (@jkwagnermd) October 15, 2018

McKinnon, 36, a university professor, is biologically male but identifies as a woman. She later accused Wagner-Assali of being transphobic.

Wagner-Assali, 38, wrote on Twitter: "I was the 3rd place rider. It's definitely NOT fair."

She later wrote in response to another message: "Just because it's a CURRENT UCI rule doesn't make it fair or right. And rules can be changed."

McKinnon claims she is the first transgender woman world champion ever, let alone in the 35-44 age group in which she took gold.

3 But McKinnon, left, has received criticism after one rider accused her of having an unfair advantage Credit: INSTAGRAM/RACHEL MCKINNON

Carolien van Herrikhuyzen, who finished second, said it was an "honest" race and that Wagner-Assali should not have competed if she thought it was unfair.

Wagner-Assali's tweet came in response to a post from Katie Hopkins.

The media personality published a photo of the three riders on the podium with the message: "For clarity - this was the WOMENS world championships. I repeat. Women's.

"Congratulations to the brave faces of silver and bronze. The world is gripped by a febrile madness."

3 Jen Wagner-Assali hit out on Twitter at what she thought was 'unfair' competition Credit: Twitter

Yeah, she’s done well there. I’m sure all the women she beat will try even harder next year. https://t.co/SvyuOSJxBT — Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) October 16, 2018

McKinnon hit back at Hopkins and Ricky Gervais, who both commented on her win on Twitter.

The Canadian says there is "absolutely no evidence" she holds an advantage over her competitors.

McKinnon later posted: "3rd place (Jennifer Wagner) claims it's unfair for me to compete.

"At Masters Worlds, she beat me in the 500m TT. She beat me in 6 of 7 races at the 2017 Intelligentsia Cup. In 2016 she beat me in all 3 Speed Week crits. She's won 11 of our 13 races... and it's unfair? Excuse me?

"This is what the double-bind for trans women athletes looks like: when we win, it's because we're transgender and it's unfair; when we lose, no one notices (and it's because we're just not that good anyway).

"Even when it's the SAME racer. That's what transphobia looks like."

This is what the double-bind for trans women athletes looks like: when we win, it's because we're transgender and it's unfair; when we lose, no one notices (and it's because we're just not that good anyway). Even when it's the SAME racer. That's what transphobia looks like. — Her Thighness (@SportIsARight) October 16, 2018

They were just inflammatory, and that's not who I want to be or am. While I may not agree with the rules, when I pin on a number I agree to race by them. I also respect @rachelvmckinnon 's right to compete within the rules. — dr. jen wagner-assali (@jkwagnermd) October 18, 2018

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Wagner-Assali later apologised for her remarks.

She wrote: "After having some time to reflect, I realise my Twitter comments earlier this week unintentionally fanned the flames on a controversial situation, and that I regret.

"I made the comments out of a feeling of frustration, but they weren't productive or positive.

"They were just inflammatory, and that's not who I want to be or am. While I may not agree with the rules, when I pin on a number I agree to race by them.

"I also respect @rachelvmckinnon's right to compete within the rules."