If you’ve never seen a para-cycling race, then you don’t know who true athletes are. Strong in mind and strong in character. And, if you’ve never tried to ride a hand-bike, powered only by your arms and shoulders, you can’t possibly know how strong these athletes are. It’s tough stuff!
I was recently at a UCI (cycling’s international federation) para-cycling tour where athletes from over 20 countries competed in official races for several days. The course circuits were in some very tough terrain through the Basque country area of Spain.
There are categories of para-cyclists depending on their level of physical or mental impairment.
• Hand-bikes – for lower limb impairments powered only by the arms.
• Tricycles – for balance impairments. The extra wheels help with stability.
• Tandem bikes (bicycles built for two) - for visually impaired or blind athletes. Front rider has the eyes for the pair.
To learn more about para-cycling, check out the UCI page.
The shots posted here were taken with my little Canon G15. I wanted to see how it would do with action shots and I think it did fairly well.
I was recently at a UCI (cycling’s international federation) para-cycling tour where athletes from over 20 countries competed in official races for several days. The course circuits were in some very tough terrain through the Basque country area of Spain.
There are categories of para-cyclists depending on their level of physical or mental impairment.
• Hand-bikes – for lower limb impairments powered only by the arms.
• Tricycles – for balance impairments. The extra wheels help with stability.
• Tandem bikes (bicycles built for two) - for visually impaired or blind athletes. Front rider has the eyes for the pair.
To learn more about para-cycling, check out the UCI page.
The shots posted here were taken with my little Canon G15. I wanted to see how it would do with action shots and I think it did fairly well.