Classification

The Para cycling classification system determines which athletes are eligible to compete and how they are grouped for competition. Athletes are classified according to the degree of activity limitation resulting from their impairment.

The purpose of classification is to minimise the impact of impairment on the outcome of competition. This ensures that success in Para cycling is determined by an athlete’s skills, physical fitness, talent, and training — not by the nature of their disability.

In Para cycling, there are eight eligible impairment types. An athlete must have at least one of these impairment types, which must be permanent and the direct result of an underlying health condition, such as trauma, disease, or a congenital condition.

Eligible Impairment Types

Impaired Muscle Power
Reduced or loss of ability to voluntarily contract muscles to move or generate force.
Examples: Spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, post-polio syndrome, spina bifida.

Impaired Passive Range of Movement
Restriction or lack of passive movement in one or more joints.
Examples: Arthrogryposis, joint contractures from immobilisation or trauma.

Limb Deficiency / Limb Absence
Partial or total absence of a limb or abnormal limb dimensions resulting from trauma, illness, or congenital causes.
Examples: Traumatic amputation, amputation due to cancer, congenital limb deficiency.

Leg Length Difference
A difference in the length of the athlete’s legs that affects cycling performance.
Examples: Growth disturbance or trauma affecting bone development.

Hypertonia (Spasticity)
Increased muscle tone and stiffness caused by damage to the central nervous system.
Examples: Cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke.

Ataxia
Impaired coordination and control of voluntary movement caused by damage to the central nervous system.
Examples: Cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury.

Athetosis
Continuous slow, involuntary movements that affect posture and control.
Examples: Cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke.

Vision Impairment
Reduced or no vision even when using the best possible optical correction.
Examples: Retinitis pigmentosa, optic nerve damage, diabetic retinopathy.

Minimum Impairment Criteria

To be eligible, an athlete’s impairment must have a significant and measurable impact on their cycling performance. Each impairment type has minimum criteria that must be met to ensure that the impact on cycling ability is meaningful and consistent across all athletes.

Examples include:

• A measurable loss of muscle power affecting pedalling or grip strength.

• A leg length difference of several centimetres affecting power application and balance.

• A visual field restricted to a small diameter or reduced visual acuity even with correction.

These thresholds ensure that all athletes competing in Para cycling experience comparable functional limitations that influence cycling performance.

Classification Process

Once an athlete is confirmed to have an eligible impairment that meets the minimum criteria, they complete a classification assessment. This process is carried out by trained and certified classifiers and includes three key stages:

1. Physical Assessment – Measuring strength, range of motion, coordination, and muscle tone.

2. Technical Assessment – Observing cycling-specific movements such as pedalling, balance, and handling.

3. Observation in Competition – Confirming or adjusting the athlete’s class based on performance in racing conditions.

Reclassification

Classification is not always permanent. Athletes may be reviewed or reclassified over time, particularly if their impairment changes or if new medical or performance evidence emerges. This ongoing process helps maintain fairness and integrity across all levels of Para cycling competition.