H3 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 UCI recommends this be coded as MH3 or WH3.

Definition

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 ...

(UCI) defines H3 as:
H3.1 (ex-H2.1) * Paraplegic with impairments corresponding to a complete lesion from Th1 to Th3 * Very limited trunk stability * Impaired sympathetic nerve system * Non-spinal cord injury, but functional ability profile equivalent to sport class H3.1 (ex-H2.1) * Recumbent position in handbike mandatory (AP-bikes). H3.2 (ex-H2.2) * Paraplegic with impairments corresponding to a complete lesion from Th4 to Th10 * Limited trunk stability * Non-spinal cord injury, functional ability profile equivalent to sport class H3.2 (ex-H2.2) * Recumbent position in handbike mandatory (AP-bikes) * Moderate quadriplegia with/without athetosis/ataxia * Severe hemiplegia (non-ambulant) * Severe diplegia (non-ambulant) and athetosis/ataxia * Neurological impairments with at least grade 1 spasticity in upper limb.

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. The classification can also use an ATP2 cycle which is a long seated forward cycle on a rigid 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. 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.

Rankings

This classification has UCI rankings for elite competitors.

Competitors

Competitors in this class include Rafał Wilk (Poland),

Joël Jeannot Joël Jeannot (born 23 September 1965) is a male French Olympic wheelchair racer and ''handisport'' activist. From 2007 he started competing in handbikes, winning a lot of French championships as well as several world championships in para-cycl ...

(France), Nigel Barley (Australia),

Sandra Graf Sandra Graf (born 9 December 1969) is a Swiss wheelchair athlete. Graf competes in wheelchair races of a variety of distances. Life Graf has twice put her career on hold to have children. In 2003 a lung embolism set back her training and kept h ...

(Switzerland) and Monica Bascio (United States).

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