Paratriathlon

How to Do Paratriathlon

Paratriathlon consists of a swim, a run and a bicycle leg, where distances vary between age group and/or classification group.  

Depending on the athlete’s disability, a hand cycle or a  tandem bicycle are permitted on the bike leg, while wheelchairs are permitted for some on the run leg.

The sport has an unlimited age-span, and is available to all those who wish to get involved. 

Who can do Paratriathlon 

Impairment Type

To be eligible to compete in paratriathlons in Australia athletes must be medically diagnosed to either have a physical or visual impairment.

Classification

Each Athlete is classified based on their functional ability, in order to keep a level playing field. In paratriathlon there are 5 classes:

Physical Impairment: PT 1-4
Visual Impairment: PT 5

PT1: Athletes with spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy or brain injury or limb loss who have no effective use of their legs. Athletes must use a recumbent handcycle or tricycle on bike course and racing wheel chair on run.

PT2: Athletes with limb loss, cerebral palsy or brain injury, nerve damage, joint restrictions or other. Athletes ride bicycles and may use a prosthesis or other support. Athletes have a classification score of up to 454,9 points

PT3: Athletes with limb loss, cerebral palsy or brain injury, nerve damage, joint restrictions or other. Athletes ride bicycles and may use a prosthesis or other support. Athletes have a classification score of 455,0 to 494,9 points

PT4: Athletes with limb loss, cerebral palsy or brain injury, nerve damage, joint restrictions. Athletes ride bicycles and may use a prosthesis or other support. Athletes have a classification score of 495,0 to 557,0 points

PT5: Athletes with a vision Impairment with less than 6/60 visual acuity or 40 degrees visual field (diameter) in best eye with best corrected vision. Athletes are tethered during the swim and run and use a tandem bicycle. A guide or handler of the same sex is mandatory throughout the race.

How Do I Get Classified?

When an athlete first starts competing he/she undergoes a process to place them into the correct class. This process is conducted by a classification panel, a group of individuals authorized and certified by a Sport Federation. The process includes:

•    the verification of the presence of an eligible impairment for paratriathlon
•    physical and technical assessment to examine the degree of activity limitation
•    the allocation of a sport class
•    the observation in competition

wHERE CAN YOU pARTICIPATE?

AUSTRALIA

STATE / TERRITORIES

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