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Any cyclist will know what it is like to race over long distances at maximum speed. The burning lungs, the heavy heart and mind-numbing pain. Imagine doing a race on a bike just using your arms. Welcome to the world of the handcyclist.
The sport of handcycling has recently evolved into a top sport for disabled and able-bodied athletes alike. It is one of the most exhilarating & toughest sports there is for athletes confined to wheelchairs. The appeal of such a new sport is defining its rapid evolution over the last decade.
Handcycling was accepted into the Paralympic movement in 2004, and the Athens Paralympics was its inaugural showpiece, with a time trial and road race. unfortunately there was no GB representation at the Games, but a few weeks later the GB team (comprising David Abrutat, Kevin Papworth, Ian Marsden and Chris Madden) competed in the World Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland. The race saw riders take on the fabled Tour du Lac Leman, a 116 mile road race around Lake Geneva.
Handcycles are propelled with the arms, shoulders, chest, back and sometimes torso depending on the level and nature of the riders disability. There are two forms of handcycle, one that attaches to a wheelchair and the other, a standalone recumbent bike. The wheelchair ‘clip-ons’ as they are known are useful as recreational and mobility aids.
Racing handcycles have 3 wheels, the wheel in the front is the propulsion wheel, whilst the two in the back keep the handcycle balanced. They combine elements of MTB and racing bike technology with the design of racing wheelchairs.
Handcycling offers people with mobility impairments the opportunity to participate in an activity that promotes health and fitness.
Handcycling in the UK is overseen by the United Kingdom Handcycling Association (UKHCA). The organisation oversees all aspects of handcycling from racing & recreational riding to access legalities on cycle networks. The UKHCA organises the annual British Handcycling Grand Prix Series of races combining a number of road races and time trials around the country. Handcycling is now part of the Disability categories in the British Time Trial and Road Race Championships organised by the BCF and CTT.
It is hoped that the next season GP series will also have a track event and a Criterium.
Many of the UK riders are ex-cyclists who have been paralysed after accidents. David Abrutat, one of the UK coordinators for the sport was an active cyclist & duathlete prior to a car crash. In 2002, David handcycled the 3,500miles around the coast of Great Britain to raise awareness of giving blood and to raise money for the Poppy Appeal. "The sport of handcycling as far as I am concerned is the best sport there is for disabled athletes. It combines speed, high-level competition, stamina, endurance and the vagaries and dedication that comes with constant training. For me it’s the next best thing to traditional cycling".
Further information:
David Abrutat
01242 703379
abrutat@blueyonder.co.uk
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