In a surprise announcement Wednesday, Brooke Watts has resigned as race director for the 2022 UCI Cyclocross World Championships and 2021 World Cup in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The move comes just three weeks after Watts expressed opposition from Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to SB-354, a state bill that would ban transgender girls and women from school sports teams consistent with their gender identity.

"It is with the greatest disappointment that I share with the cyclocross community today that I will not be participating as a race organizer for the 2022 World Cyclocross Championships. Additionally, I will not be participating in the World Cup Fayetteville."

"The situation in Arkansas remains problematic and unfortunately no satisfactory solution is in sight. I have sincerely, but unsuccessfully, attempted to resolve concerns and differences with my constituents. But, unfortunately, it has not worked."

The World Cup is scheduled for October 13, 2021, and the World Championship for January 29-30, 2022, in northeast Arkansas.

Cyclingnews reported earlier this month on the reaction from Watts and the cycling community to Arkansas' "Fairness in Women's Sport Act."

The Arkansas bill would apply not only to public schools and universities, but also to private institutions and clubs that compete with public schools. The bill also allows female students who are "deprived of athletic opportunities" or who have suffered direct or indirect harm to sue educational institutions that do not comply with the ban.

Tennessee and Mississippi have passed similar bills. More than a dozen states are considering anti-transgender legislation, including North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.

In a statement in early April, Watts noted that the NCAA's threat of a boycott in Arkansas would unfairly hurt those who support the cycling community.

"My passion and commitment to the growth of cyclocross in America has always been front and center. As I leave my position as race organizer, I believe I have left my mark by designing a course worthy of a unique world championship and a cyclocross park for future champions.

"I remain dedicated to fighting for equity in racing and continuing to use my position of influence in the cyclocross community to ensure that this sport is inclusive and welcoming to all," Watts said. He has been involved in the sport of cycling for over 40 years.

The controversy caused by the Arkansas law is part of a larger examination of how to foster equality between men and women and how to support and incorporate LGBTQ rights.

Democratic opponents of the anti-trans bill expressed confidence that the act would be found unconstitutional under Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on sex.

USA Cycling CEO Rob DeMartini took a conservative approach to responding to the Arkansas law earlier this month, saying that boycotts of cyclocross events are "ritualistic" and have little effect.

USA Cycling stated earlier this month, "USA Cycling unequivocally opposes any legislative action aimed at restricting athletes' access to competition. We respect the rights of athletes and members of our community who wish to boycott events held in states where this legislation is threatened or enacted."

The federation also announced that it would only consider venues that "welcome all members" at future USA Cycling National Championships.

The World Cup in Fayetteville is a UCI-sanctioned event produced by Flanders Classics.