Para-cycling classification system determines which athletes are eligible to compete and how they are grouped for competition. In cycling, athletes are grouped by the degree of activity limitation resulting from the impairment.
The purpose of classification is to minimise the impact of the eligible impairment on the outcome of competition. So, the athlete with the best skills, physical fitness, athletic talent and training is successful.
Eligible Impairment Types
In Para-cycling there are eight eligible impairment types. An athlete must have at least one of the eligible impairment types listed below and that must be permanent and be the direct result of an underlying health condition (for example; trauma, disease, dysgenesis).
Eligible Impairment Type |
Examples of an Underlying Health Condition that can lead to the Eligible Impairment |
|
Impaired Muscle Power A Health Condition that either reduces or eliminates their ability to voluntarily contract their muscles in order to move or to generate force. |
Includes spinal cord injury (complete or incomplete, tetra-or paraplegia or paraparesis), muscular dystrophy, post-polio syndrome and spina bifida. |
|
Impaired Passive Range of Movement A restriction or a lack of passive movement in one or more joints. |
Includes arthrogryposis and contracture resulting from chronic joint immobilisation or trauma affecting a joint. |
|
Limb Deficiency/Limb length difference A total or partial absence a limb or |
Traumatic amputation, amputation due to bone cancer or dysmelia. |
|
Leg Length Difference A difference in the length of the athlete’s legs. |
Includes disturbance of limb growth or as result of trauma. |
|
Hypertonia/Spasticity An increase in muscle tension and a reduced ability of a muscle to stretch caused by damage to the central nervous system. |
Includes cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and stroke. |
|
Ataxia Limited precision in direction and velocity of voluntary movement, consistent with an Underlying Health Condition affecting the structure and function of the central nervous system. |
Includes cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke and multiple sclerosis. |
|
Athetosis Continual slow involuntary movements. |
Includes cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and stroke. |
|
Vision Impairment An Underlying Health Condition affecting the structure or function of the eye, optic nerve, optic chiasm, post chiasma visual pathways, or visual cortex of the brain resulting in reduced or no visual function even when using the best possible refractive or optical |
Includes retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy. |
Minimum Impairment Criteria
In addition to the eight eligible impairment types the UCI set a minimum impairment criteria to ensure that an Athlete’s eligible impairment affects the extent to which an athlete is able to execute the specific tasks and activities fundamental to Para-cycling.
Eligible Impairment Type |
UCI minimum impairment criteria |
| Impaired Muscle Power |
Upper Limb – Full loss of grip in one hand, inability to form and maintain a cylindrical grasp – Muscle Grade 0 Lower Limb – Inability to heel raise to 25 degrees tested in single leg stance. Comparable incomplete spinal cord injury or comparable multiple impairment with a tested point score between 20 and 59 points. |
| Impaired Passive Range of Movement | Loss of passive range of movement comparable with a tested point score of between 20 and 59 points |
| Limb Deficiency |
Upper Limb – Amputation of all fingers and thumb through MCP (or dysmelia with no functional grip – muscle grade 0) Lower Limb – Amputations of the foot through Lisfranc or comparable dysmelia |
| Leg Length Difference | The difference in length between the right and left legs must be equal to or more than 7cm. |
| Hypertonia |
Spasticity grade 1 in the affected arm or leg plus clear neurological signs to demonstrate upper and motor neuron lesion Positive unilateral or bilateral Hoffman/Babinski; Noticeably brisk reflexes or clear differences in reflexes left vs. right. |
| Ataxia | Occasional and mild or subtle signs of Ataxia (reference to SARA scale) |
|
Athetosis |
Occasional Dyskinesia signs with mild or subtle intensity or amplitude of movement (reference to DIS scale). Unilateral or bilateral (symmetrical/asymmetrical) |
|
Vision Impairment |
Minimum Impairment Criteria for athletes with a vision impairment have been set based on the athlete’s corrected vision. The difference in approach for athletes with a vision impairment must be seen within the historical context of Classification for these athletes, which is an assessment with ‘best correction’ as used in the context of medical diagnostics for visual acuity. The athlete must meet both of the criteria below: The athlete must have at least one of the following impairments:
The athlete’s visual impairment must result in a visual acuity of less than or equal to LogMAR 1.0 or a visual field restricted to less than 40 degrees diameter. |
Para-cycling Classifications - Overview
In para cycling, the classification system ensures fair competition by grouping athletes with similar abilities into specific divisions and sport classes. This system allows riders to compete on a level playing field while showcasing their incredible talent and determination.
There are four main divisions in para cycling: Bicycles (C division), Tricycles (T division), Handcycles (H division), and Tandems (B division). Each division is further divided into sport classes based on the type and severity of an athlete’s impairment. Through a detailed classification process, riders are assessed and assigned a sport class that reflects their functional abilities.
In total, there are 13 sport classes for both men and women, including B, C1-C5, H1-H5, and T1-T2.
In road cycling, athletes compete on bicycles, tricycles, handcycles, or tandems. For track cycling, competition is held on bicycles or tandems. This diversity of equipment and classifications highlights the adaptability and inclusivity of para cycling, allowing athletes to excel at the highest levels of the sport.
How Do I Get Classified?
Formal national classification assessments are conducted in person by a trained classification panel at designated assessment dates throughout the year.
We encourage athletes to complete their classification assessment before participating in any para cycling races. However, athletes may be granted a provisional classification by submitting the correct paperwork, enabling them to compete on the condition that they attend the next available assessment date.
To be eligible for a classification assessment appointment, athletes must meet the following criteria:
- Have at least one of the eligible impairment types listed in the eligibility table above. The impairment must be permanent and directly caused by an underlying health condition.
- Hold a New Zealand passport.
This process ensures fair competition and provides athletes the opportunity to compete in their appropriate classification within New Zealand’s para cycling events.
- A Medical Diagnostics Form [Physical Impairment (PI)]
- A Medical Diagnostics Form [Visual Impairment (VI)]
Please download the relevant form and follow the instructions at the top. The form must be completed by a registered Medical Doctor or Ophthalmologist. Once completed, forms and any supporting documentation should be emailed to jack.cooper@cyclingnewzealand.nz.
After receiving your completed documentation, a member of the national classification team will review the information provided. Following this review, classification appointments will be scheduled based on available dates and appointment slots.