H2 is a

para-cycling classification Para-cycling classification is the process of classifying participants in para-cycling covering four functional disability types. The classification system includes classes for handcycles for people who have lower limb mobility issues. The sport is ...

. The

Union Cycliste Internationale The ''Union Cycliste Internationale'' (UCI; ; en, International Cycling Union) is the world governing body for sports cycling and oversees international competitive cycling events. The UCI is based in Aigle, Switzerland. The UCI issues racing ...

recommends this be coded as MH2 or WH2.

Definition

Wheelchair rugby profile classification C6-7

(UCI) defines H2 as: *Tetraplegia C7/C8 and severe athetosis/ataxia/dystonia * Tetraplegic with impairments corresponding to a complete cervical lesion at C7/C8 or above * Complete loss of trunk stability and lower limb function * Non-spinal cord injury, but functional ability profile equivalent to sport class H2 (ex-H1.2) * Impaired sympathetic nerve system * Recumbent position in handbike mandatory (AP-bikes) * Severe athetosis/ataxia/dystonia and no elbow extension limitation * Asymmetric or symmetric quadriplegia with at least grade 2 spasticity in upper limb and lower limbs.

The cycle

This classification can use an AP2 recumbent, which is a competition cycle that is reclined at 30 degrees and has a rigid frame. This classification can also use an AP3 hand cycle which is inclined at 0 degrees and is reclined on a rigid competition frame.

Classification history

Cycling first became a Paralympic sport at the

1988 Summer Paralympics The 1988 Summer Paralympics () were the first Paralympics in 24 years to take place in the same city as the Olympic Games. They took place in Seoul, South Korea. This was the first time the term "Paralympic" was used officially. Bidding proc ...

. In September 2006, governance for para-cycling passed from the

International Paralympic Committee The International Paralympic Committee (IPC; german: Internationales Paralympisches Komitee) is an international non-profit organisation and the global governing body for the Paralympic Movement. The IPC organizes the Paralympic Games and fun ...

's International Cycling Committee to UCI at a meeting in Switzerland. When this happened, the responsibility of classifying the sport also changed.

At the Paralympic Games

For the

2016 Summer Paralympics ) , nations = 159 , athletes = 4,342 , opening = 7 September , closing = 18 September , opened_by = President Michel Temer , cauldron = Clodoaldo Silva , events = 528 in 22 sports , stadium = Maracanã , sum ...

in Rio, the

had a zero classification at the Games policy. This policy was put into place in 2014, with the goal of avoiding last minute changes in classes that would negatively impact athlete training preparations. All competitors needed to be internationally classified with their classification status confirmed prior to the Games, with exceptions to this policy being dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Competitors

Competitors in this classification include

Heinz Frei Heinz Frei (born 28 January 1958) is a Swiss wheelchair athlete. Frei has had a long career of racing, winning the London Marathon wheelchair race three times, and earning five medals at the 2003 European games at the age of 45. He has earned 15 ...

(Switzerland) and

Luca Mazzone Luca Mazzone (born 3 May 1971) is an Italian paralympic cyclist and before para swimmer who won eight medals at the Summer Paralympics (3 gold and 3 silver in cycling, 2 silver in swimmimg). Career He competed in five Paralympics, three in Swi ...

(Italy).

Rankings

This classification has UCI rankings for elite competitors.

Becoming classified

Classification is handled by

. Classification for the UCI Para-Cycling World Championships is completed by at least two classification panels. Members of the classification panel must not have a relationship with the cyclist and must not be involved in the World Championships in any other role than as classifier. In national competitions, the classification is handled by the national cycling federation. Classification often has three components: physical, technical and observation assessment.

References

{{Para-cycling classifications Para-cycling classification Parasports classifications