All Abilities (Para-cycling) Racing Structure
overvi Overview
It is an exciting time in Cycling.
The aims of this document are
Membership is growing, participation is growing and the demographic profile of the sport is changing. The traditional paradigm of racing is changing, membership demographics are changing and the expectations of both riders and promoters are equally shifting.
ÉÉ Provide best practices for structuring competition for people with a disability;
Cycling has long suffered from being too focussed on elite athletes, and this has been reflected in the racing structure.
ÉÉ Ensure the structure of competition is equitable to all individuals participating.
As such many events are not structured to attract different demographics into the sport or engender a culture of inclusion. The following document has been put together to support clubs, combines and promoters to develop events which are more inclusive. We understand that delivering the best practice and supporting paracycling participation we will take time and clubs are encouraged to work with Cycling Victoria to find ways to better design and implement inclusive racing experiences. 2
ÉÉ Establish an understanding of what type of racing structure people with a disability are looking for;
iew Overview of CLASSIFICATIONS
Classes for athletes with a physical disability, as defined by the UCI, can be decoded easily. The first letter stands for the gender (M for men, W for women). Subsequent letters stand for the sport division (as explained opposite). The final number is the class in that division - with the lower the number, the greater the degree of impairment. Therefore WH3 stands for the class Women’s Handcycle 3. For athletes with an intellectual disability, or hearing impaired athletes, classifications are given by external bodies (AUSRAPID & Deaf Sports Australia respectively). These athletes will fall within two classifications, I1 or AU1 athletes, who may compete in any event up to and including national championships, and I2 or AU2 athletes who may compete internationally.
Class C (1-5)
Class B
Athletes have a physical impairment that prevents them from competing in ablebodied competition but still compete using a "standard bicycle".
Athletes who are blind or visually impaired. They compete using a two-person cycle known as a tandem, with a sighted "pilot" in the front seat. Under UCI rules, a professional cyclist must not be active for 24 months in any UCI Tour in order to apply as a para-cycling pilot.
Class H (1-5) Athletes have lower limb impairment that necessitates use of a hand-operated cycle. There are five classes of hand cycling. Please contact Cycling Victoria for further information in regards to the varying Class H categories.
Class T (1 & 2) Athletes have an impairment which affects their balance. They compete with a threewheeled cycle called a tricycle - three wheels providing more balance than a standard two-wheeled cycle.
Class I (1 & 2) Athletes have an intellectual disability and have been classified by AUSRAPID. Athletes in Class I may compete on a standard cycle.
Class AU (1 & 2) Athletes have a hearing impairment and have been classified by Deaf Sports Australia. Athletes in Class AU may compete using a standard cycle.
3
Class C
Cycling
4
Level of Race
Type of Race
recommended formats
Club/Combine/Club Open/ State
Road Races
For any of these events ‘C’ classification cyclists can compete in any grade where the they may be set by the handicapper.
ÉÉ ÉÉ ÉÉ ÉÉ
Scratch Handicap Criterium Time Trials
Track Events ÉÉ Timed Events ÉÉ Bunch Races Cyclo-Cross Club Championships/State Championships
A ‘C’ class rider can race a Championship as either age based or as a paracyclist. They should start in whatever group is most suited to their ability. Medals should be awarded to all ‘C’ grade athletes depending on their placing within their classification.
All events
For the purposes of Timed events (track and road). These can be run at the same time however awarded separately. State Open
Road/Track/Cyclo-Cross
For any of these events ‘C’ classification cyclists can compete in any grade where the they may be set by the handicapper.
National
Time Trials/Road Race/Track
Continue racing under current CA technical regulations. Cycling Victoria will lobby for the provision of para-cycling cyclo-cross participation/ categories as recognized for road and track.
International
Road/Track
All events are run per the UCI regulations.
Potential Issues
Recommended Solutions
Integrated categories are difficult to judge.
With the small numbers it is unlikely that there will be a provision of judging issues.
Insufficient funds for prizing categories.
The additional participation will increase entry fees and provide a new sponsorship stream for the club/event.
5
Class H
Hand Cycling
6
Level of Race
Type of Race
Recommended formats
Club/Combine/Club Open
Road
An ‘H’ class rider can race a Criterium and Time Trial. Participants should start in whatever group is most suited to their ability.
ÉÉ Criterium ÉÉ Time Trial
An ‘H’ class rider can race any handicap or scratch race. Participants should start in whatever group is most suited to their ability. As a guide handcyclists average between 20km/h for new riders and 40km/h for elite riders. All handcyclists must be equipped with both a flag and flashing light as prescribed in the Cycling Victoria Technical Regulations.
Road ÉÉ Handicap ÉÉ Scratch Track Events
While some velodromes are unsuitable for handcyclists, velodromes with very shallow gradients may be used. Consult Cycling Victoria when planning to include handcyclists in track events. Handcyclists can only participate in timed events.
ÉÉ Timed Events ÉÉ Bunch Races Club Championships/State Championships
Road Race, Time Trial
These can be run at the same time however awarded separately. The handcyclist should be placed in the group who have the closest speed. Each classification should be medalled separately.
State Open
Road ÉÉ Time Trial
Handcycling categories must be made available for all State Time Trial events. Participants must be recognized in this category.
National
Time Trials/Road Race/Track
Continue racing under current CA technical regulations.
International
Road/Track
All events are run per the UCI regulations.
Potential Issues
Recommended Solutions
Handcyclists are unable to be seen in the bunch.
As per the Cycling Victoria Technical Regulations handcyclists are required to display both an orange flag and flashing lights while competing. Refer to Cycling Australia Technical Regulations for full details.
The technical regulations require a full closure.
Cycling Victoria’s Technical Regulations have now been amended to recommend a full road closure wherever possible, however the only requirement is for the riders to display flag/light to increase visibility.
7
Class T
Tricycle
8
Level of Race
Type of Race
Recommended formats
Club/Combine/Club Open
Road
A ‘T’ class rider can race a Criterium and Time Trial. Participants should start in whatever group is most suited to their ability.
ÉÉ Criterium ÉÉ Time Trial Road ÉÉ Handicap ÉÉ Scratch Track Events ÉÉ Timed Events ÉÉ Bunch Races
A ‘T’ class rider can race any handicap or scratch race. Participants should start in whatever group is most suited to their ability. As a guide Class T riders can average between 20km/h for new riders and 35km/h for elite riders. While some velodromes are unsuitable for trikes, velodromes with very shallow gradients may be used. Consult Cycling Victoria when planning to include trikes in track events. Trikes can participate in timed and may be combined with other trikes to race in any bunch races.
Club Championships/State Championships
Road Race, Time Trial
For the purposes of Timed events (track and road). These can be run at the same time however awarded separately. The Trike riders should be placed in the group who have the closest speed. Each classification should be medalled separately.
State Open
Road Races, Time Trials
Trike categories must be made available for all State Time Trial events. Participants must be recognized in this category.
National
Time Trials/Road Race
Continue racing under current CA technical regulations.
International
Road/Track
All events are run per the UCI regulations.
Potential Issues
Recommended Solutions
Integrated categories are difficult to judge.
With the small numbers it is unlikely that there will be a provision of judging issues.
Insufficient Funds for prizing categories.
The additional participation will increase entry fees and provide a new sponsorship stream for the club/event.
9
Class B
Tandem
10
Level of Race
Type of Race
Recommended formats
Club/Combine/Club Open
Road
A ‘B’ class rider can race all road races. Participants should start in whatever group is most suited to their ability.
ÉÉ ÉÉ ÉÉ ÉÉ
Criterium Time Trial Handicap Scratch
Due to their size tandems are generally only permitted in time based events and match sprints.
Track Events ÉÉ Timed Events Club Championships/State Championships
Road Race, Time Trial, Track
For the purposes of Timed events (track and road). These can be run at the same time however awarded separately. Riders should be placed in the group who have the closest speed. Each classification should be medalled separately.
State Open
Road Race, Time Trial, Track
Tandem categories must be made available for all State Time Trial events. Participants must be recognized in this category. Time based events for all track carnival must allow tandems.
National
Time Trials/Road Race
Continue racing under current CA technical regulations.
International
Road/Track
All events are run per the UCI regulations.
Potential Issues
Recommended Solutions
Integrated categories are difficult to judge.
With the small numbers it is unlikely that there will be a provision of judging issues.
Insufficient Funds for prizing categories.
The additional participation will increase entry fees and provide a new sponsorship stream for the club/event.
11
Class I
Intellectual Disability
12
Level of Race
Type of Race
Recommended formats
Club/Combine/Club Open/ State
Road Races
If the event has a specific category for Class I athletes, all Class I riders must compete within that category.
ÉÉ ÉÉ ÉÉ ÉÉ
Scratch Handicap Criterium Time Trials
For any events which do not have specific categories, Class I athletes may compete in the grade set by the handicapper.
Track Events ÉÉ Timed Events ÉÉ Bunch Races Cyclo-Cross Club Championships/State Championships
All events
Class I categories must be offered at all State Championships. Class I athletes must compete and be medalled in this category.
State Open
Road/Track/Cyclo-Cross
Where Class I categories are offered at State Open events, Class I athletes must compete and be awarded in this category.
National
Time Trials/Road Race/Track
Class I athletes must compete within the current CA technical regulations.
International
Road/Track
Athletes must have a Class I2 classification to compete internationally.
13
Class AU
Hearing Impairment
14
Level of Race
Type of Race
Recommended formats
Club/Combine/Club Open/ State
Road Races
If the event has a specific category for Class AU athletes, all Class AU riders must compete within that category.
ÉÉ ÉÉ ÉÉ ÉÉ
Scratch Handicap Criterium Time Trials
For any events which do not have specific categories, Class AU athletes may compete in the grade set by the handicapper.
Track Events ÉÉ Timed Events ÉÉ Bunch Races Cyclo-Cross Club Championships/State Championships
All events
Class AU categories must be offered at all state open events. Class AU athletes must compete and be medalled in this category. For the purposes of timed events (track & road), Class AU categories can be run at the same time as other categories, however awarded separately.
State Open
Road/Track/Cyclo-Cross
Class AU categories must be offered at all state open events. Class AU athletes must compete and be medalled in this category.
National
Time Trials/Road Race/Track
Class AU athletes must compete within the current CA technical regulations.
International
Road/Track
Athletes must have a Class AU2 classification to compete internationally.
15
Operati Operational Matters Race Length Prize Money All Club/Combine and Club Open events prize money should continue to be distributed by grades. For the Victorian Time Trial series events a ‘Para-cycling’ category must be awarded for at least 3 riders. For all Championship events medals and prizes must be recognized and awarded in line with the Cycling Australia categories.
Integrated Categories When integrating categories the ability of the non-paracyclists and overall speed should be taken into consideration for grading or setting marks.
16
Race organisers should operate within the Cycling Australia Technical Regulations on race distance.
Naming of Category and Prizes Categories and Prizes should be named using the following terminology: Categories: [Gender] [Classification] e.g. Men’s C3 Placings: placings should be given as in standard races, e.g. 1st placed Men’s C2. Where only one combined class is offered, the placing should be given as 1st placed Para-cyclist.
ional Providing a welcoming and inclusive environment
Include a statement in event publicity or websites etc. such as ‘The [name of event or organisers] welcome entries from all categories of athletes.’
Encourage paracycling athletes to contact you in advance to discuss their needs and the requirements to enable them to take part and, if possible, allow riders/officials to review the course to assess its suitability. Do not tell paracyclists that they are not eligible to participate without consideration of what reasonable adjustments would enable them to participate. Ensure any language used to describe paracyclists is sensitive and appropriate. Language is continually evolving but what really matters is that language is acceptable to the individual or group concerned. If unsure, ask the para-athlete how they would prefer to be addressed. Provide diagrams and/or written pre-race information for athletes who are hearingimpaired.
Access to facilities Undertake a review of the accessibility of facilities including car parking, toilets, changing facilities, access to building, signage and other facilities for their accessibility for athletes, coaches, officials and spectators. Ensure there are wide parking bays available to enable riders to get in/out of their car. Ensure registration tents and other facilities are located on an accessible surface as paracyclists may be unable to travel on mud or soft ground. Ensure wheelchair accessible toilets are available, open and no key collection is required to access them.
Course considerations Ensure the course is wide enough to allow sufficient space for athletes using modified equipment. Try to avoid very steep climbs or descents asathletes using modified equipment may be unable to climb them or they may be dangerous on descent. Try to avoid sharp turns at the bottom of descents as athletes using modified equipment may have difficulty negotiating the turn at speed. Cut off times for events should be reasonable and not unfairly set to prohibit the participation of para-athletes. The cut off time may be determined by a number of factors such as the need for sufficient time to dismantle the course before dark, the number of course marshals available for the event, the reasonableness of the length of time they will be required to marshal the course in cold or bad weather, police/local authority permission for road closures, permission for length of time to use the venue, etc.
Ensure the awards stage can be accessed. Provide guidance to appropriate start positions for estimated finishing times for all athletes (para-athletes and ablebodied) to ensure slower athletes are not jostled by faster athletes coming from behind.
17
Developed with support from