Cycling
The speed and excitement inherent in all Cycling competitions is relatively new for athletes with a disability. The sport began to be developed by blind cyclists who first competed using tandem bicycles. Cycling was introduced as a Paralympic Sport in Seoul in 1988 and is now practiced in more than 40 countries.
Today in addition to athletes with a visual impairment, cyclists with cerebral palsy, amputations or other physical disabilities can participate in classes depending on their degree of function and the skills required for Cycling. Depending on their classification, athletes use a bicycle, tricycle, tandem or hand cycle. The competition programme includes Track and Road events for individuals and teams with Sprints, Individual Pursuits, 1,000m Time Trial, Road Races and Road Time Trials.
Events are for both men and women, with the cyclists grouped together according to their functional ability. Para-Cycling is not an adapted sport and the technical regulations of the International Cycling Union (UCI) are used at all Cycling competitions. From January 2007, Cycling for riders with a disability is governed by the International Cycling Union (UCI).
For more detailed information on Para-Cycling, please visit the UCI website at www.uci.ch.
