Cycling

What does this sport involve?

There are individual and team cycling events, on Road and Track, including Sprints, Pursuits, Time Trials and Road races.

According to their functional ability riders use bicycles, handcycles or tandems. Handcycles were first introduced in 2004 for athletes who do not have use of their lower limbs.

Visually impaired riders compete on tandems with sighted guides or ‘pilots’. The pilots are also awarded medals. This sport was first developed by visually impaired riders and then was later taken up by riders with physical disabilities.

In recent years athletes who have first been successful in other sports have moved on to compete in cycling.

Who can compete?

Men and women with a physical disability or visual impairment. Classifications are as follows: LC1 upper limb disabilities, LC2 disability in one leg but able to pedal using both legs, LC3 disability in one leg, usually able to pedal with one leg only, LC4 disability in both legs. 2 – 4 riders with cerebral palsy. HCA, HCB and HC3 wheelchair users who compete using 3 wheeled handcycles and who are classified according to functional ability. HC3 includes riders with disabilities in all 4 limbs

If you think you would like to try this sport or would like to know more?

The national body responsible for organising this sport is:

British Cycling Federation,  Manchester Velodrome. 1 Stuart Street, Manchester M11 4DQ

www.britishcycling.org.uk  - information on disability cycling

Contact: The Events Team at British Cycling 0161 274 2020 Email: events@britishcycling.org.uk for further information and advice

Did you know?

Cycling was one of the sports represented at the first Paralympic Games in 1960. Many highly successful athletes from other paralympic sports have recently begun to move to cycling to continue their sporting careers

Would I like this sport and what are the benefits?

A sport of speed, strength, combined with a tactical approach. Good for improving fitness and includes both indoor and outdoor events.

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