Para Cycling
Para cycling includes road and track events for athletes with physical impairments using bicycles, tricycles, handcycles, and tandems.
Sport History
Explore the evolution of para cycling from its Paralympic debut to becoming a technologically advanced sport.
Paralympic Debut
Cycling for athletes with disabilities made its first appearance at the New York/Stoke Mandeville Paralympic Games.
Seoul Expansion
The Seoul Paralympics featured expanded cycling events for athletes with visual impairments and cerebral palsy.
Track Cycling Introduction
Track cycling was introduced to the Paralympic program at the Barcelona Games.
Handcycling Demonstration
Handcycling was featured as a demonstration event at the Atlanta Paralympics.
UCI Integration
Para cycling governance was transferred to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), integrating with mainstream cycling.
Handcycling Medal Sport
Handcycling became a full medal sport at the Athens Paralympic Games.
First UCI World Championships
The first UCI Para Cycling World Championships were held in Bordeaux, France.
Rio Innovation
The Rio Paralympics featured technological innovations in adaptive bikes and increased media coverage of para cycling events.
Key Facts
Event Types
Road cycling, track cycling, time trials
Competition Format
Individual and team events with various distances
Paralympic Sport Since
1984 New York/Stoke Mandeville Paralympics
Governing Body
Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)
Equipment
Para cycling utilizes specialized equipment adapted for different impairments:
- Standard bicycles for athletes with limb impairments
- Handcycles for athletes with lower limb impairments
- Tricycles for athletes with coordination impairments
- Tandems for athletes with visual impairments
- Prosthetic attachments and adaptive equipment
Major Competitions
Paralympic Games
The pinnacle of para cycling competition, featuring road and track events every four years.
UCI World Championships
Annual world championships organized by UCI featuring the top para cyclists globally.
World Cup Series
International series of competitions providing qualification opportunities for major events.