Making the grade in Cycling

Paralympic cycling

What is a desirable characteristic?

Each sport has specific demands and traits that are unique to that particular sport. These range from components of fitness (e.g. speed and power), to body type characteristics (e.g. tall or short) and many more. Each person may be better at some sports than others based on how well they ‘match’ the profile of that sport.

Looking at the desirable characteristics of each sport, may help to inform you about which sports may (or may not) be suitable for you. However there is no guarantee and there are always exceptions to the rule!

DISABILITY CYCLING

Similar to able-bodied cycling, disability cycling is a test of physical fitness and mental toughness. Events are contested on the road as well as the track but the main focus of British Cycling at Paralympic level is the track events. Hand cycling is also a Paralympic event but this is contested on the road only. If you are interested in competing at an elite level then matching the desirable characteristics below may help.

PHYSICAL

At the elite level, track cycling requires high levels of physical fitness. Some of the main components of fitness that are involved are:

  • Aerobic endurance – ability to perform sustained exercise for long periods e.g. longer distance events
  • Anaeorbic endurance – ability to sustain high levels of power output e.g. when sprinting
  • Leg strength/power – ability to produce large forces using the leg muscles e.g. for acceleration from a stationary position
  • Speed

DISABILITY TYPE

Cycling is open to a wide range of disabilities, but some of the disabilities that traditionally perform well at the elite level are:

  • Visual impairment
  • Amputees – upper or lower limb
  • Cerebral palsy – ability to maintain a good riding and bike position should not be compromised
  • Spinal cord injury – hand cycling only

NOTE: British Cycling are very interested in male and female double-below-knee amputees as well as female single-below-knee amputees. If you or anyone you know fits this description and matches some of the characteristics on this page then please contact them (www.britishcycling.org.uk).

OTHER DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS

Some other important factors for cycling are:

  • Previous competitive cycling background e.g. as an able bodied individual
  • Previous sporting background, especially in sports such as swimming, rowing and athletics (sprint or endurance)
  • Sporting history in the family
  • Competitive nature
  • Commitment/dedication

IF YOU THINK YOU MATCH SOME OF THESE CHARACTERISTICS, THIS MAY BE THE SPORT FOR YOU!

photo