Paracycling
From your first local race to competing for Team USA
How It Works
To be eligible to compete in paracycling, a rider must have an eligible impairment and meet the minimum impairment criteria as set out by the World Para Cycling Classification Rules and Regulations. Currently athletes with physical impairments and visual impairments are eligible for paracycling.
Classification is the process by which athletes are assessed to determine the impact their impairment has on their ability to compete in a specific sport. Riders must be classified before competing in their first event to determine their Sport Class.
Learn more about the process, necessary documents, and the next classification opportunity.
In cycling, there are four impairment groups: Handcycle, Tricycle, Cycling, Tandem. Each group has a Classification Scale (#1-5), 1 is most impaired, 5 is least impaired
- Handcycle (H1-5): For athletes using an arm/ arm trunk power handcycle in either the recumbent or kneeling/sitting position.
- Tricycle (T1-2): For athletes who are unable to bicycle due to a lack of balance and/or severe restriction with pedaling due to coordination impairment.
- Cycling (C1-5): For athletes with impaired range of movement or coordination impairments that ride standard two wheeled bicycles.
- Tandem (B1-3): For athletes with a vision impairment. Often referred to as the Stoker (visually impaired athlete) and Pilot (able-bodied partner).
There are currently two disciplines of cycling governed by USA Cycling and contested at the Paralympic Games: Road & Track.
- Road (Handcycle, Tricycle, Cycling, & Tandem)
- Road Race
- Time Trial
- Track (Cycling & Tandem)
- Scratch Race
- Elimination Race
- Individual Pursuit
- Sprint
- Team Sprint
- Kilo Time Trial
Joining USA Cycling gives you access for one full year to thousands of events, national rankings, and rewards from industry partners.
Follow these steps to get race ready:
- Create a USA Cycling account and/or log in.
- Start by purchasing a Membership.
- Then, add a Race License to your cart and check out.
- You can also add optional on-the-bike insurance coverage with a $0 deductible.
MEET THE NATIONAL TEAM
Every athlete’s journey is unique. Discover the stories and pathways of our Paracycling National Teams on the road and track.
MEET THE ATHLETES
WANT TO COMPETE FOR TEAM USA?
Learn more about what it takes to start racing with the National Team.
EVENT SELECTIONS
Paracycling Resources
MEET THE TEAM
If you have questions, reach out to a member on our staff.
Chris
Furber
Senior Director Paracycling
Background
Chris Furber leads all Paracycling operations for USA Cycling, bringing a deep and proven record of success across multiple Paralympic sports. His career includes serving as Performance Director for Paddle UK (Paracanoe and Canoe Sprint) and UK Para Swimming, as well as Head Coach for British Cycling’s Para-Cycling program. Across these roles, Furber guided teams through five Paralympic Games, including the home Games in London in 2012, and 17 World Championships. Earlier in his tenure with British Cycling, he also contributed as a Talent Identification Coach and held administrative roles supporting the Mountain Bike and BMX programs, giving him a broad, systems-level perspective on athlete development and high-performance pathways.
Jim
Lehman
Para-Cycling Road & Track National Team Head Coach
Background
With over 22 years of experience in para-cycling, Lehman brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to USA Cycling. He has led Team USA at five Paralympic Games, 13 World Championships and is a 7-time recipient of the Order of Ikkos medal. Lehman earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Villanova University, and his graduate degree in Exercise Science from Northern Arizona University.
Mike
Durner
National Team Pathways Coach – Para-Cycling Road & Track
Background
Mike is a USAC Level 1 Coach and NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach, who started racing mountain bikes at age 13 and raced on the NORBA circuit while in high school.
Following high school, he went on to study exercise science at the University of Northern Colorado and then spent four years serving as an officer in the U.S. Army. Following his time in the Army, Mike pursued a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology at Kansas State University.
He began coaching in 2006 and started working with the previous iteration of the Para Cycling National Team in 2010. From 2010 through 2015 he worked full time for the National Team, covering road and track athletes and events.
From 2017 through 2025, Mike was a part time National Team Coach for Para Cycling with more road focus. During this time, he also formed and grew his own coaching business.
He has earned the privilege of coaching at 3 Paralympic Games and is eager to contribute to the formation of a successful team for LA28.
Paracycling News & Updates
Seventeen Titles Awarded on the Final Day of the 2026 Paracycling Road National Championships
Read Article