How are para-cycling road races run?
I · Intermediate · Racing · 4 of 6Para-cycling road races run on roads closed to all traffic, on circuits of 7 to 15 km. Climbs average at most 8%, peak at 15% and cover at most a quarter of the circuit. Handcycles, trikes and youth riders may use an easier circuit. Feeding is by foot from both sides, never on the first or last lap.
How it works
- Closed roads: completely closed to traffic.
- Circuits: 7 km to 15 km.
- Climbs: 8% average, 15% steepest.
- Climbing: at most 25% of the circuit.
- Easier circuit: for handcycles, trikes and youth.
- Feeding: by foot, both sides of the road.
- Feed zones: at least 50 m apart.
- No feeding: first and last laps.
The glossary has the road race (para-cycling), the feeding by foot, the ranking order, the combined start, the handcycle and the minimum age.
Tricky cases
Can a course break the 15 km limit?
Yes, with UCI approval for unique features.
A rider is lapped by the leader. Do they stop?
No. They keep racing.
Can a helper feed on the last lap?
No.
Must youth road circuits be closed?
Yes, completely.
Why the rule exists
Many riders cannot grab a bottle from a moving car, so feeding is from the roadside. Gentle climbs keep courses fair for every machine.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Circuits | 7 to 15 km | 16.7.003 |
| Feeding | By foot | 16.7.007 |
| Results | Finish, lapped, DNF | 16.7.007 bis |
From the rule book
UCI, Cycling Regulations, Part 16 Cycling for Riders with Disabilities (JCF edition 2025, amendments to 1 January 2026), articles 16.7.001 to 16.7.007 bis. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: UCI Cycling Regulations, Part 16.