T1 (classification)

T1 is a para-cycling classification. It is for athletes with severe locomotive dysfunctions, and insufficient balance to use a regular bicycle. The class includes a number of different disability types including cerebral palsy. The class only competes in road events and uses tricycles (hence the "T" in T1).

PBS defined this classification as "Tricycle 1 (T1) is for athletes with severe locomotor dysfunction and insufficient balance for cycling."^[1] In 1997, this classification was defined by Alison Gray in Against the odds : New Zealand Paralympians as: tetraplegic - almost no use of trunk, arms and hands". Gray noted this classification was for wheelchair athletes.^[2] The Telegraph defined this classification in 2011 as "T 1-2: Athletes on tricycles, who have severe locomotive dysfunctions and limited ability to pedal" ^[3]

• 
  Disability type for CP1 classified sportspeople
• 
  Disability type for CP2 classified sportspeople
• 
  Disability type for CP3 classified sportspeople
• 
  Disability type for CP4 classified sportspeople

The class includes people with cerebral palsy. CP1 to CP4 competitors may compete in the T1 class.^[4][5][6] Tricycles are only eligible to compete in road events, not track ones.^[4][6]

Cyclists within this class are required to wear a helmet, with a special color used to designate their class. Male T1 competitors wear black helmets; T1 women wear blue helmets.^[7]

Cycling first became a Paralympic sport at the 1988 Summer Paralympics.^[8] In September 2006, governance for para-cycling, including the responsibility for classification, passed from the International Paralympic Committee's International Cycling Committee to UCI.^[9]

Classification is handled by Union Cycliste Internationale.^[10] 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.^[11] In national competitions, the classification is handled by the national cycling federation.^[11] Classification often has three components: physical, technical and observation assessment.^[11]

At the 2012 Summer Paralympics, events for this classification include T 1-2 Road Race and Mixed T 1-2 Time Trial.^[12]

This classification has UCI rankings for elite competitors.^[13]

• Para-cycling classification
• Cycling at the Summer Paralympics