For riders interested in competition, para-cycling offers opportunities ranging from local events through to national and international competition.
Para-cycling was first introduced to the Paralympic Games programme in 1984 and has continued to grow into one of the most successful Paralympic sports in Great Britain. Today, athletes compete across a range of disciplines using bicycles, tricycles, handcycles and tandems, depending on their impairment.
Classification
Para-cycling is open to athletes with eligible physical impairments, visual impairments and certain neurological conditions. Cyclists compete in different sport classes to ensure fair and meaningful competition.
Depending on their classification, athletes may compete using:
- Standard bicycles
- Tricycles
- Handcycles
- Tandems (for riders with visual impairments and a sighted pilot)
Great Britain Cycling Team
For riders with performance ambitions, there is a pathway from grassroots participation through local and national competition into the elite para-cycling system.
The Great Britain Cycling Team supports world-class para-cyclists competing at the highest level, including World Championships, World Cups and the Paralympic Games. British riders have achieved outstanding success on the international stage and continue to inspire the next generation of disabled cyclists.
Learn more about para-cycling and the Great Britain Cycling Team
