Cycling
Paracycling Newsletter December 2009
Cycling can be enjoyed by anyone either as an exciting sport or a relaxing recreational activity. It can be fast, competitive, and allow for a wide range of handling skills to be learned. It is also a great weight-bearing form of exercise that allows participants to enjoy scenic pathways up close.
Competitive cycling opportunities are available for people with disabilities from the age of 10 years and over through able-bodied competition all year round. The Paralympics feature para-cycling events for cyclists with cerebral palsy, vision impairment (tandem cycling with a pilot rider) and lower limb disabilities (handcycling).
Track racing is conducted on banked circular tracks called velodromes, which are built with wooden, concrete or asphalt surfaces. Track racing has various types of events including sprints and individual time trials.
Road races are conducted on regular roads covering hilly courses, flat road or around circuits in a town centre (criterium). Courses may be from point to point (out and back) or around a loop of several kilometers. Races may vary from 5 to 200km depending on classes competing.
Handcycling is gaining popularity as a competitive sport and recreational activity. At this stage, handcyclists compete in time trials and road races only.
Competitions / Programs
Members should join their local cycling club to gain access to club competitions, social cycling events, and coaching services. Your membership with the cycling club will include membership with Cycling Queensland and include insurance. Oportunities for cyclists with a disability vary from club to club. Please contact Cycling Queensland for more specific information.
Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association, Cycling Queensland and affiliated clubs organise Come and Try Days in most regions.
The South-East Queensland Handcycling Tour offers competitive events during the winter months.
State Championships
Cycling Queensland State Track Championships held in January each year. Cycling Queensland Handcycling State Championships held each year in March-April.
National Level Competition
Cycling Australia's Australian Track Championships include para-cycling events. Handcycling events are included in the Australian Masters Road Championships.
International Level Competition
World Championships Paralympics (every 4 years) European Championships
Classes of Athletes
Cycling is available to athletes with a vision impairment, amputation, cerebral palsy, and les autre (other physical disabilities). Handcycling is available to athletes with a lower limb disability. For competition, athletes will be classified according to their functional ability: Athletes with a physical disability have 4 classes: LC1, LC2, LC3 and LC4 and compete within their class. Vision Impaired athletes have 3 classes: B1, B2 and B3. All categories compete together. Handcycling currently has 3 divisions: HC Division A: (classes HC 1 & 2) HC Division B (classes HC 3, 4 & 5) HC Division C (classes HC 6, 7 & 8)
Seasons
All year round: Track racing in summer, and Road racing in winter.
Training Venues / Times
Varies from club to club.
Our Association has contacts with training squads (cycling including tandem, and handcycling) that you may be able to join to learn about the sport and gain advice from experienced coaches.
Coaching
Your local cycling club should be able to assist you with information on training methods, race tactics, technical advice, attend training rides and coaching clinics. If you require further information please contact Cycling Queensland or our Association.
Equipment Required
To start cycling, you need a safe roadworthy bike and an Australian Standards approved helmet. There are many types of bikes available - bicycles, mountain bikes, tricycles, tandems (two-person bikes), handcycles, and recumbent tricycles (rider sits with a reclining position).
Track bikes have a single fixed gear and no brakes. A typical road racing bicycle is a light weight, 10-16 speed with a free wheel and hand brakes. Adapted bikes can be specially modified to suit individual's needs.
The Association has a range of tandem cycles (for cyclists with a vision impairment) and handcycles (for cyclists fir a lower limb disability) available for hire to members. Members can hire equipment for up to 10 weeks at the low cost of $5/week to cover maintenance costs.
Handcycle Suppliers and Manufacturers Info Sheet
Costs
Social riders: Cost of purchasing or hiring a bike and helmet! There are bikes to suit all budgets.
Competitive riders: Membership to Cycling Queensland is included in your membership with an endorsed cycling club. Race fees vary.
Links
Last updated 12/03/10