A Brief History
HANDCYCLING is becoming one of the worlds fastest growing disability sport, the speed and adrenalin in this new sport is very addictive and its recent inclusion into the Paralympic program only highlights it’s popularity. Classifications of both
paraplegic and tetraplegic compete in time trials and road races of differing distances using cycles propelled by arm cranks. Handcycling began in the 1980s as a recreational sport. Early equipment was hard to find, clunky, and expensive. The leap from “leg only” powered to “arm powered” was made by cyclists from within the ranks of the human powered vehicle movement. Ironically, the original handcycle was not intended for someone with a disability. Nonetheless, the development made it possible for individuals of all abilities to experience the joy of cycling. Today, handcycles reap the benefits of both the modern cycling industry and cutting-edge wheelchair technology, including light weight components, high pressure tires, wide-range gearing systems, hi-tech. seating systems, hydration systems, and ingenious steering systems for optimal handling.
HANDCYCLING was approved as part of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Cycling Program in 1998 and was included at the World Cycling Championships for the Disabled that same year. Since 2004, the IPC included a race for handcycles (men only) at the Paralympic Games in Athens Greece and now has included track and road events (men and women) in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.
Although handcycle racing is still relatively new, it has become very popular worldwide and athletes in the U.S., Europe, and Australia compete in respective national race series. Here, in South-E
ast Asia, Handcycling Association Singapore (HAS) is the first of such organization to be formed in this part of the world. Also for the first time in Asian Para Games history, Handcycling could be featured as an event when Singapore host the Games in 2013. Although handcycling is popular with the racing crowd, most handcycles are purchased by recreational athletes. In contrast to racing wheelchairs, handcycles are easily adjusted, simple to operate, and very easy to transfer in and out of. As a result, thousands of people with and without disabilities are handcycling to improve cardiovascular and aerobic health, immune system, increase upper body strength, ride with friends and family, and improve overall fitness.
top. Dr William TAN on attachment handcycle cica 1987. bottom. Ajmal SAMUEL at inaugural AvivaIronman 70.3, Singapore 2007
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL WRONGS AVENGED! © 2009 HANDCYCLING ASSOCIATION SINGAPORE
Types of Handcycles...
Competitive Road Racing
Recreational
TOP L-R> Schmicking Overdrive S4, BOTTOM L-R> Freedom Ryder SUPERBIKE LC-1, Quickie Shark S. Invacare Top End Force G,
TOP L-R>, Varna Hybrid Tandem Handcycle/Cycle, Invacare Top End Excelerator XLT PRO 27 Speed.
BOTTOM L-R> ONE OFF Titanium Off Road, Varna Liberator Big Wheels Handcycle, Varna I Handcycle, Greenspeed GTH.
Classifications for Competitive Handcycling
Handcycling is for athletes who are limited, or not able to use, a conventional bicycle because of a disability affecting the lower limbs. They often, but not always, use a wheelchair for general mobility. Classification is basically a structure for competition. Not unlike other sports such as boxing and weightlifting, where athletes are catagorized by weight classes, Handcyclists are grouped in classes defined by the degree of function presented by the disability. As Handcycling is a developing sport, the classification of athletes is undergoing constant changes. The current classifications provided by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) are based on 3 functional divisions:
HC Division A - Classes HC 1 & 2
HC Division B - Classes HC 3, 4 & 5
HC Division C - Classes HC 6, 7& 8
HC DIVISION A (Helmet Color Code: BLUE)
Is for the more severely disabled athletes with a complete loss of trunk and lower limb function, together with other sever and complex disabilities. Class Profiles as follows:
Class HC 1
a) Tetraplegic with disabilities corresponding to a complete cervical lesion at C7/C8 or above.
b) Limited handgrip.
c) Thermo-regulatory system limitations.
d) Impaired sympathetic nervous system.
Class HC 2
a) Non spinal cord injury, but functional ability profile equivalent to class HC 1.
HC DIVISION B (Helmet Color Code: WHITE)
Is for athletes with a complete loss of lower limb function and limited trunk stability. Class Profile as follows:
Class HC 3
a) Paraplegic with disabilities corresponding to a complete lesion from T1 to T3.
b) Very limited trunk stability.
c) impaired sympathetic nerve system.
Class HC 4
a) Paraplegic with disabilities corresponding to a complete lesion from T4 to T9/T10.
b) Limited trunk stability.
Class HC 5
a) A non spinal cord injury, but functional ability profile equivalent to a class HC 3/4.
HC DiVISION C (Helmet Color Code: RED)
Is for athletes with complete lower limb functional loss, but minimal other functional disabilities, or partial lower limb funcion loss combined with other disabilities to make conventional cycling not viable. Class profile as follows:
Class HC 6
a) Paraplegic with disabilities corresponding to a complete lesion from T11 to L4.
b) No lower limb function, or limited function.
c) Normal, or almost normal, trunk stability.
Class HC 7
a) Non spinal cord injury, but functional ability profile equivalent to class HC 6.
Class HC 8
a) Double above knee amputee.
b) Single leg amputation, with other disabilities which prevent the safe use of a conventional bicycle or tricycle.
c) Incomplete loss of lower limb function, with other disabilities which prevent the safe use of a conventional bicycle of tricycle.
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