Classification
Visually Impaired (B & VI): Cyclists with a visual impairment compete on the rear of tandem bicycles, with a sighted pilot, in one of three classes: Men, Women and Mixed (male and female). The decision to compete in the Mixed Class is that of the athlete. During any IPC competition, the athlete is only allowed to start in one class and the changing of classes is not permitted. Minimum disability is class B3.
Locomotor Disabilities (LC): Cyclists with a physical disability compete on bicycles in four functional classes: LC 1, LC 2, LC 3 and LC 4, with separate events for men and women.
LC 1: For athletes having minor or no lower limb disability.
LC 2: For athletes with a disability in one leg, but who are able to pedal normally using two legs, with or without prostheses.
LC 3: For athletes with a disability on one lower limb, with or without upper limb disability. Most athletes pedal with one leg.
LC 4: For athletes with a more severe disability usually affecting both lower limbs, with or without upper limb disability.
Cerebral Palsy (CP): Cyclists with cerebral palsy compete in four functional divisions, with separate events for men and women. During any IPC competition, the athlete is only allowed to start in one division and the changing of divisions is not permitted.
CP Division 4: is for athletes with the least severe disability (Classes CP 8 & 7), who race on bicycles.
CP Divisions 3 & 2: These two divisions provide athletes with a choice of racing on bicycles in Division 3 (Classes CP 6 & 5), or tricycles in Division 2 (Classes CP 6 & 5)
CP Division 1: is for athletes with a more severe disability (Classes CP 4 to 1), who race on tricycles.
Handcycling (HC): Handcycling athletes compete in three functional divisions in IPC Cycling competitions, with separate events for men and women. Handcycling is for athletes who normally require a wheelchair for general mobility, or athletes not able to use a conventional bicycle or tricycle because of severe lower limb disability.
A Functional Classification System is used, where an athlete's functional ability for handcycling is assessed, based on the level of spinal cord lesion, or corresponding disability. Classification of an athlete shall be in race dress with their race equipment, using medical documentation of the athlete's disability, functional tests based on the requirements of the sport and observation in training and competition.
Note that in the case of an incomplete spinal cord lesion, the functional ability of the athlete will decide the final classification and the decision of the IPC Cycling Classifier shall be final.
HC Division A: is for athletes with a more severe disability (classes HC 1 & 2) with complete loss of trunk and lower limb function, together with other severe and complex disabilities.
HC Division B: is for athletes with complete loss of lower limb function and limited trunk stability (classes HC 3, 4 & 5).
HC Division C: is for athletes with complete lower limb function loss, but minimal other functional disabilities, or partial lower limb function loss combined with other disabilities to make conventional Cycling not viable (classes HC 6, 7 & 8)
Other Functional Classification Criteria
In all questionable functional classifications, it is essential that the classifier, in conjunction with the technical adviser, consider the cycle to be used by the athlete and the way it is ridden. In some classifications it may be necessary to include a proviso on the athlete's Functional Classification Card that a particular adaptation is permitted, or essential for reasons of safety.
(BOCOG)