Para-cycling race performance in different sport classes

• Published in: Disability and rehabilitation Vol. 43; no. 24; pp. 3440 - 3444
• Main Authors: Liljedahl, Johanna B., Bjerkefors, Anna, Arndt, Anton, Nooijen, Carla F. J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 2021
• Subjects: classification; cycling; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Medicin/Teknik; Medicine/Technology; Para-cycling; paralympic sports; paralympic sports; cycling; performance; classification; Para-cycling
• ISSN: 0963-8288; 1464-5165; 1464-5165
• DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1734106

The para-cycling classification system, consisting of five classes (C1-C5) for bicycling (C5 athletes having least impairments), is mostly based on expert-opinion rather than scientific evidence. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in race performance between para-cycling classes.
From official results of the men's 1 km time trials for classes C1-C5 of seven Union Cycliste Internationale World Championships and Paralympics, median race speed of the five fastest athletes in each class was calculated (n = 175). Para-cycling results were expressed as a percentage of able-bodied performance using race results from the same years (n = 35). To assess differences between consecutive classes, Kruskal-Wallis tests with Mann-Whitney U post hoc tests were performed, correcting for multiple testing (p < 0.013).
Para-cyclists in C1 reached 75% (median ± interquartile range = 44.8 ± 4.2 km/h) and in C5 90% (53.5 ± 2.9 km/h) of able-bodied race speed (59.4 ± 0.9 km/h). Median race speed between consecutive classes was significantly different (χ
2
= 142.6, p < 0.01), except for C4 (52.1 ± 2.8 km/h) and C5 (U = 447.0, p = 0.05).
Current para-cycling classification does not clearly differentiate between classes with least impairments.
IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION
The current classification system is not evidence-based and does not clearly differentiate between relevant groups of para-cyclists.
An evidence-based para-cycling classification system is essential for a fair and equitable competition.
Fair competition will make it more interesting and increase participation.
Para-cycling can inspire everyone with and even those without disabilities to be physically active.