Cycling

How to CYCLE

Para-cycling/handcycling uses traditional cycling rules. The only difference relates to equipment regulations. Cyclists are allocated a specific bike depending on their level of functionality. 

There are 4 types of bikes. 
1.    Tandems: used by athletes who are visually impaired.
2.    Handcycles: used by quadriplegics, paraplegics or amputees of one or both lower limbs. 
3.    Tricycles: used by athletes with a brain injury who need more stability due to their limitation. 
4.    Standard bikes: used by athletes with a mild brain injury, amputation or any other form of disability of their upper or lower limbs. 

As in able-bodied cycling, there are road and track events. However, track events are limited to athletes who use a standard bike or a tandem.

Who can CYCLE

Impairment Type

To be eligible for cycling an athlete must have vision impairment or a physical disability. The physical disability must include one or more of the following: limb loss or deficiency, loss of muscle strength, debilitating muscle tension/spasms, joint movement restrictions or leg length difference. 

Classification

Para-cycling athletes are classified according to the extent of activity limitation resulting from their impairment.
Classification has two important roles:

1. To determine eligibility to compete; and

2. To group athletes for competition.

There are 4 Para-cycling/handcycling categories

• Athletes with a Vision Impairment (B class)

• Athletes with a Physical Impairment who use Bikes (C classes)

• Athletes with a Physical Impairment who use Trikes (T classes)

• Athletes with a Physical Impairment who use Handcycles (H classes)

Within each category there are several classes.  

How Do I Get Classified?

To get more classification information and to request classification, click here.

Where can you participate?

STATE / TERRITORIES

Resources