Classifications

All athletes who wish to compete in the Paralympic divisions at events must undergo a national classification evaluation to determine their sport class. The steps to obtaining a national classification are outlined below.

1. Submit the national medical diagnostics form to USA Cycling. The form should clearly define which of the eligible impairment(s) the athlete has and supporting documentation should be provided to verify the underlying health condition or origin of the impairment(s). The national medical diagnosis form must be submitted prior to attending a classification evaluation.

   1. National Medical Diagnosis Form - Submit documentation to USA Cycling.

2. Register for an event that has a national classification panel

3. Attend a classification evaluation. Classification takes place one or two days prior to competition and participation in the competition is required to complete classification. The evaluation process consists of:

   1. Physical Assessment - a series of functional ability tests performed by a Medical Classifier

   2. Technical Assessment - a series of practical ability tests observed by a Technical Classifier

   3. Provisional Sport Class Allocated - Based on the results of both of the above tests, athletes are allocated a provisional sport class

   4. Observation in Competition - This will confirm or alter the provisional sport class allocation

1. Athletes with visual impairments may obtain a national classification at any time during the year, and do not need to attend an event as part of the classification process. To obtain a National VI Classification, athletes must have the visual impairment medical diagnosis form completed by their ophthalmologist and return to USA Cycling along with supporting documentation related to the diagnosed eye condition as outlined on the medical diagnosis form at least four weeks prior to a competition they intend to compete at.

   1. National VI Classification Form - Submit documentation to USA Cycling.

2. Once the forms are received by USA Cycling, they are reviewed by a VI classifier, and the outcome will be communicated by USA Cycling to the athlete. VI classification may require visual field testing, additional tests or information to complete classification which may delay the outcome. VI athletes must complete this process and be listed in the Classification Database to compete in events.

Athletes must hold a current UCI License and have the appropriate medical documentation to request international classification. The appropriate Visual Impairment or Physical Impairment Medical Diagnostics Form must be submitted six weeks prior to the date of the International Classification - failure to follow this procedure could result in cancellation of the classification appointment. Each form outlines the specific tests, x-rays, MRIs, etc. required for various impairments that should be provided as supporting documentation. The Medical Diagnostics Form and the supplemental documents must be completed by the athlete’s physician or ophthalmologist. If you have questions regarding the Medical Diagnosis Form, please contact USA Cycling here.

• Physical Impairment Medical Diagnostics Form

• Visual Impairment Medical Diagnostics Form

Please note that international classification slots are limited and allocated by the UCI. There may be more athletes who request international classification than slots available; in these cases slots will be awarded based on athlete performance marks compared to the national team standards. Athletes who meet the criteria and wish to request an international classification slot should contact USA Cycling. International classification appointments must be requested at least six weeks prior to the date of the classification.

• National Classification Process for Athletes with a Physical Impairment

• MDF Supporting Documentation Guide

The Talent ID Camp will run from September 28 – October 3 at the Colorado Springs Olympic & Paralympic Training Center. Designed to identify and develop the next generation of paracycling talent, this camp is an opportunity for aspiring athletes to learn, train, and grow in a world-class environment. The camp will be led by USA Cycling’s paracycling coaches, mechanics, and staff, with all lodging and meals provided.  

Athletes interested in participating should submit their application by Sunday, August 24 at 10:00 PM MT. Please review the Paralympic Cycling eligible impairment groups, here. 

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