How does the para-cycling team sprint work?
A · Advanced · Racing · 2 of 3The tandem sprint is for B riders over three laps; after a 200 m qualifier the eight fastest go into a knockout. The team sprint has three C riders, mixed across classes and genders, whose points total 10 or less. A nation enters one team, plus a second only if all women. The four fastest qualifiers ride the finals.
How it works
- Tandem sprint: B men and women.
- Distance: three laps from the pursuit line.
- Qualifying: 200 m time.
- Knockout: eight fastest.
- Team sprint: three C riders plus substitutes.
- Points: at most 10, by gender and class.
- Teams: one, plus an all-women second team.
- Finals: four fastest qualifiers.
The glossary has the tandem sprint, the team sprint (para-cycling), the tandem pilot, the C1 to C5, the B and the track events (para-cycling).
Tricky cases
Can a team sprint mix men and women?
Yes, within the points cap.
How many teams in the team sprint qualifying run together?
One at a time.
Where does the tandem sprint start?
From the pursuit line.
Can a nation enter two mixed teams?
No. A second team must be all women.
Why the rule exists
The points cap forces teams to include more impaired riders. Qualifying by time seeds the sprint fairly.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tandem sprint | 3 laps | 16.8.007 ter |
| Team sprint | 10 points | 16.8.009 |
| Finals | Top four teams | 16.8.010 |
From the rule book
UCI, Cycling Regulations, Part 16 Cycling for Riders with Disabilities (JCF edition 2025, amendments to 1 January 2026), articles 16.8.007 to 16.8.010. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: UCI Cycling Regulations, Part 16.