Para-cycling classifications explained

Para-cycling uses a classification system so athletes compete fairly against others with a similar level of impairment. Riders are grouped by the equipment they use — bicycle (C), handcycle (H), tricycle (T) or tandem (B) — and then by a number. A lower number means the impairment has a bigger impact on cycling, so a C1 rider is more impaired than a C5 rider.

Cycle (C)

C1C1 — Cycle, most impaired

Athletes with the most significant impairments who ride a standard bicycle, such as severe coordination problems or major limb impairment.

C2C2 — Cycle

Athletes on a standard bicycle with substantial but less severe impairments than C1, e.g. moderate coordination impairment or above-knee amputation.

C3C3 — Cycle

Athletes on a standard bicycle with moderate impairment, such as a below-knee amputation or moderate coordination impairment.

C4C4 — Cycle

Athletes on a standard bicycle with mild-to-moderate impairment, e.g. a single below-knee amputation or mild coordination impairment.

C5C5 — Cycle, least impaired

Athletes on a standard bicycle with the least impairment in this group, such as a single arm amputation or minimal limb involvement.

Handcycle (H)

H1H1 — Handcycle, most impaired

Handcyclists with the most significant impairment, typically a high-level spinal cord injury affecting arms, trunk and legs (tetraplegia).

H2H2 — Handcycle

Recumbent handcyclists with no or very limited trunk function, e.g. a spinal cord injury around the upper chest.

H3H3 — Handcycle

Recumbent handcyclists with some trunk function but limited or no leg function.

H4H4 — Handcycle

Recumbent handcyclists with good trunk function but impaired legs, who can use the trunk fully to drive the cranks.

H5H5 — Handcycle, kneeling

Handcyclists who race in a kneeling position, using arms and trunk, e.g. with bilateral leg amputations and full trunk control.

Tricycle (T)

T1T1 — Tricycle, most impaired

Athletes who ride a tricycle because of impaired balance and coordination, with more severe impairment than T2.

T2T2 — Tricycle

Athletes who ride a tricycle due to balance and coordination impairment, less severe than T1.

Tandem / Visually impaired (B)

BB — Tandem (visually impaired)

Blind and visually impaired athletes who race on a tandem behind a sighted pilot.