About Para Cycling
Introduction to Para Cycling
Whether it's on the track or the road, two wheels or three, para cycling offers something for everyone who wants to get on a bike.
Para cycling was first developed by cyclists with visual impairments who competed on tandem bicycles. Since then the sport has continued to grow and was first introduced to a Paralympic Games in New York in 1984 with road events for athletes with cerebral palsy included for the first time. Further events were added over the course of the next four Paralympic Games, with track cycling making its debut in Atlanta 1996.
Fast forward to Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and GBCT collected a total of 24 medals in para cycling events. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, British visually impaired para cyclists brought home 7 medals.
Classification
Para cycling currently includes individuals with cerebral palsy, visual impairments and physical impairments. Road cyclists compete on handcycles, trikes, tandem bikes or bikes depending on their condition. On the track, cyclists compete on either tandem bikes or bikes.
- C1-C5 is for athletes with cerebral palsy, amputees and other conditions who can ride a bike.
- T1-T2 (trike) is for athletes with cerebral palsy, neurological conditions or other athletes who are unable to ride a bike.
- B is for visually impaired cyclists who compete on tandem bikes with a pilot.
- H1-H5 (handcycle) is for riders with impairments affecting either both legs or a combination of the upper and lower limbs (amputees, paraplegics and tetraplegics)
Para Performance Pathway
To be eligible to compete in para cycling a rider must have an eligible impairment and meet the minimum impairment criteria as set out by the World Para Cycling Classification Rules and Regulations.
Currently athletes with physical impairments and visual impairments are eligible for the para cycling pathway.
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Para Cycling events
What is the time trial?
In the time trial, a rider begins with a standing start and competes against the clock to complete two laps of the track in the fastest time. The competition is held over 1km for men and 500m for women. The Great Britain Cycling Team currently has a number of world champions in the discipline including Jody Cundy.
What is the tandem sprint?
The tandem sprint is considered one of the highlights of any para-cycling track world championships as tandem duos face off against each other in a fast and furious race. The competition starts with a qualifying round where each tandem pairing aims to set their quickest time over a flying 200 metres. The four fastest bikes then go into a best-of-three semi-final with the winners facing off for gold and silver in the final and the defeated semi-finalists riding for the bronze medal. At the 2017 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships, James Ball and Matt Rotherham defeated teammates Neil Fachie and Craig Maclean in the gold medal final.
What is the team sprint?
The team sprint is contested over three laps of the track by two teams of three riders. All three riders start the event with the lead rider pulling out of the way at the end of each lap, with the next rider taking over at the front. The final rider sets the team time when they cross the finish line at the end of the third lap. Each team is made up of three riders with varying classifications. The team can be a mix of male and female athletes. Athletes are awarded points depending on their classification. For example a C5 male is worth four points and a C2 female worth one point. The team of three riders can’t exceed the maximum of 10 points.
What is the individual pursuit?
In the individual pursuit, riders (either solo riders or tandem pairs) start on opposite sides of the track and attempt to catch their opponent over either 3km (12 laps) or 4km (16 laps). The four athletes with the best times in qualifying progress to the medal rides, where the two fastest qualifiers race for gold and silver and third races against fourth for the bronze medal. In the finals, if a competitor catches and passes the opponent they win the race although they can choose to continue if they are looking to break a record or set a new personal best.
What is the road race?
Road races are a test of power and stamina. The mass-start events typically feature a looped long-distance course and the first rider to cross the finishing line wins.
What is the time trial?
The time trial pits the world’s fastest para-cyclists against the clock. Riding solo or in tandem pairs, riders will take to the road one-by-one with the fastest time across the course winning the gold medal.
The bikes
Bike
Many para-cycling riders would ride a typical bike when competing. However depending on the rider’s impairment the bike may be adapted to assist them.
Tandem
A tandem bike is for a rider with a visual impairment. The pilot (sighted rider) will always be on the front, with the stoker (visually impaired rider) on the back.
Tricycle
Trikes are for riders with cerebral palsy, neurological conditions or other riders who are unable to ride a bicycle.
Handcycle
Handbikes are for riders with impairments affecting either both legs or a combination of the upper and lower limbs and will compete in races on the road
Kit and clothing
Clothing
Members of the Great Britain Cycling Team will typically compete in a skinsuit, but don't worry if you don't have one available. T-shirts are fine until they get wet from rain or your sweat, so you may prefer to wear jerseys that will help to draw moisture away from your clothing. You may also be more comfortable on a saddle if you wear padded cycling shorts. For outdoor rides in winter, a lightweight rain jacket can keep you warm and dry.
Helmet
Built for comfort and protection, the many holes in the helmet are vents to keep your head cool. Helmets come in sizes to fit all head shapes and sizes and are adjustable.
Time trial helmet
In a time-trial, which is a race against the clock, the rider will look for every advantage they can get to save them valuable seconds and will wear a specially designed aerodynamic helmet.
Get involved with para cycling
British Cycling back landmark report on social justice in active travel
British Cycling were key supporters as the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking (APPGCW) launched a landmark report in Parliament on social justice in active travel on Wednesday 26 March, calling for urgent reforms to address the barriers that prevent many people from walking, wheeling, and cycling.
Weekend round-up - 2025 Lloyds National Road Series kicks off
The Lloyds National Road Series [women and junior open] kicked off in style in Melton Mowbray on Sunday 23 March 2025, with Lucy Harris (Smurfit Westrock Cycling Team) and Harry Hudson (Harrogate Nova) taking the women’s and junior open victories respectively.
Lloyds National Road Championships head to Wales for the next three years in landmark deal
British Cycling and the Welsh Government have confirmed a landmark agreement to host the next three Lloyds National Road Championships from 2025 through to 2027.
Tour de France to return to the UK in 2027 for historic dual Grand Départs
In a historic milestone, the world’s biggest bike races, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, will both take place in the UK in 2027, marking the first time both the men’s and women’s Grand Départs will take place in the same country (outside France).
