What is para-cycling?
B · Beginner · Classes and machines · 1 of 2Para-cycling is UCI road and track racing for riders with a permanent eligible impairment. Riders race in four divisions set by the machine they use: handcycle, tricycle, bicycle (cycle) and tandem for vision-impaired riders with a sighted pilot. Each division has sport classes. Road events are open to all divisions; track events only to bicycle and tandem riders.
How it works
- Rules: UCI Part 16, with the usual road and track rules.
- Handcycle: classes H1 to H5.
- Tricycle: T1 and T2.
- Cycle: C1 to C5.
- Tandem: class B, with a pilot.
- Road: road race and time trial for all.
- Track: C and B classes only.
- Combining: classes may be combined or factored.
The glossary has the para-cycling, the division, the handcycle, the tricycle, the tandem and the road race (para-cycling).
Tricky cases
Can a handcyclist race on the track?
No. Track events are for C and B classes.
Is para-cycling part of the UCI?
Yes. Part 16 of the UCI regulations governs it.
Can a rider switch divisions?
Only through classification.
Can riders from different divisions race together?
Yes, if the organiser mixes them to make an event, except at the Paralympics and world championships.
Why the rule exists
The machine a rider can use says a lot about the impairment, so divisions follow the machine. Classes then split each division fairly.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Road | All divisions | 16.7 |
| Track | C and B only | 16.8.001 |
| Tandem | Pilot rides too | 16.3 |
From the rule book
UCI, Cycling Regulations, Part 16 Cycling for Riders with Disabilities (JCF edition 2025, amendments to 1 January 2026), articles 16.1, 16.3.001, 16.4.003 and 16.8.001. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: UCI Cycling Regulations, Part 16.