T2 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 class is for cyclists with more moderate loss of stability and function compared to T1. It includes people with a variety of different types of disabilities including

cerebral palsy Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of movement disorders that appear in early childhood. Signs and symptoms vary among people and over time, but include poor coordination, stiff muscles, weak muscles, and tremors. There may be problems with sens ...

. This class uses tricycles (hence the "T" in T2) and competes at the Paralympic Games in road events only and is governed by 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 raci ...

Definition

PBS The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is an American public broadcaster and non-commercial, free-to-air television network based in Arlington, Virginia. PBS is a publicly funded nonprofit organization and the most prominent provider of educat ...

defined this classification as "T2 is for athletes with more moderate loss of stability and function. " In 1997, this classification was defined by

Alison Gray Alison Mary Gray (11 March 1943 – 1 September 2021) was a New Zealand writer and social researcher. She wrote 11 books, ranging from feminist oral histories to novels and children's books. Gray established a social policy research consultancy ...

in ''Against the odds : New Zealand Paralympians'' as: "partial mobility in arms and trunk". Gray noted this classification was for wheelchair athletes. ''The Telegraph'' defined this classification in 2011 as "T 1-2: Athletes on tricycles, who have severe locomotive dysfunctions and limited ability to pedal" The UCI recommends this be coded as MT2 or WT2.

Disability groups

CP5 and CP6 competitors may compete in the T2 class. Cyclists opting to compete in the T2 class often do so as a result of balance issues, which make riding a standard bicycle or handcycle difficult. Tricyclists are not eligible to compete in track events, only in road events.

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 pro ...

. In September 2006, governance for para-cycling, including the responsibility for classification, passed from the International Paralympic Committee's International Cycling Committee to UCI.

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.

Competitors

Competitors in this classification include David Stone from Great Britain, and Australia's Carol Cooke.

Rankings

This classification has UCI rankings for elite competitors.

At the Paralympic Games

At the

2012 Summer Paralympics The 2012 Summer Paralympics, branded as the London 2012 Paralympic Games, were an international multi-sport parasports event held from 29 August to 9 September 2012 in London, England, United Kingdom. They were the 14th Summer Paralympic Gam ...

, events for this classification include T 1-2 Road Race and Mixed T 1-2 Time Trial.

References

{{Cerebral palsy sport classification Para-cycling classification Parasports classifications