Information on eligible impairment types can be found here.

Para cycling accommodates athletes with a wide range of physical impairments, including cerebral palsy, visual impairments, amputations, and other neurological or physical conditions. Athletes are classified into categories that determine the type of bikes they use and the events they compete in, ensuring fair and balanced racing.

C1–C5 (Standard Bicycle)

• For athletes with impairments such as cerebral palsy, limb deficiencies, or other physical conditions who have the balance and coordination to ride a two-wheeled bicycle.

• The lower the number, the greater the level of impairment (e.g., C1 athletes typically have more severe impairments than C5 athletes).

• Riders compete in both road and track events, including time trials, pursuits, and bunch races.

T1–T2 (Tricycle)

• For athletes with coordination impairments, balance difficulties, or neurological conditions that make riding a two-wheeled bicycle unsafe.

• Tricycles provide additional stability, with T1 generally indicating a higher level of impairment than T2.

• Races are contested on road circuits, often over distances similar to handcycle events.

B (Tandem)

• Reserved for athletes with a visual impairment.

• The rider (referred to as the stoker) competes at the rear of a tandem bicycle with a fully sighted rider (referred to as the pilot) at the front.

• B-class athletes race in both road and track events, including time trials, pursuits, and sprints.

• Synchronisation, communication, and trust between rider and pilot are critical for success.

H1–H5 (Handcycle)

• For athletes with impairments that affect the legs or a combination of upper and lower limbs, such as spinal cord injuries, paraplegia, or amputations.

• Athletes compete on recumbent handcycles powered entirely by the arms.

• The classification scale runs from H1 (most severe impairment) to H5 (least severe). For example:

  • H1–H2: Athletes with tetraplegia or severe upper-limb impairments.

  • H3–H4: Athletes with paraplegia or moderate impairments of trunk/leg function.

  • H5: Athletes with lower-limb impairments but good upper-body strength (e.g., single-leg amputees).

• Handcyclists compete mainly in road time trials and road races.