Who can compete in para-cycling?
A · Advanced · Classes and machines · 1 of 3Riders need one of eight permanent eligible impairments meeting the UCI's minimum criteria, such as a 7 cm leg length difference. A panel gives each rider a class and a status: confirmed, review, fixed review date or expired. New riders are observed at their first time event. The minimum age is the year of the 14th birthday.
How it works
- Impairments: eight types, including vision impairment.
- Minimum criteria: set thresholds for each type.
- Status: C, R, FRD or E.
- New (N): before first evaluation.
- Observation: at a time event for physical impairments.
- World championships: evaluation needed first.
- Minimum age: year of the 14th birthday.
- Under 16: scratch and road races among themselves.
The glossary has the eligible impairment types, the minimum impairment criteria (para-cycling), the sport class status (UCI), the observation in competition, the minimum age and the sport class code.
Tricky cases
What vision counts as eligible?
LogMAR 1.0 or worse, or a field under 40 degrees.
Can a new rider race a world championship unclassified?
No.
Where is a new rider observed?
At a time trial or pursuit, for physical impairments.
Can a 14-year-old race?
Yes, from the year of the 14th birthday.
Why the rule exists
Minimum criteria keep the sport for riders whose impairment truly affects cycling. Observation in a race shows how a rider performs at speed.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed (C) | No review | 16.4.017 |
| Review (R, FRD) | Re-evaluated | 16.4.017 |
| Under 16 | Own scratch and road races | 16.2.001 |
From the rule book
UCI, Cycling Regulations, Part 16 Cycling for Riders with Disabilities (JCF edition 2025, amendments to 1 January 2026), articles 16.2.001, 16.3.001, 16.4.017 and 16.5.001 to 16.5.002, and Chapter IV. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: UCI Cycling Regulations, Part 16.