Already since a number of years I have been associated with the Paralympic peloton. Up to 2010, the category in which I have competed was marked by the abbreviation LC3, and the major cyclists of this category were competitors with one of their lower limbs amputated above the knee. It has always been obvious that it is not acceptable to have a disproportionately high number of categories. For this reason, the specification of LC3 could include also cyclists with a disability that limits them in a similar way like us, the one-legged.
And here, the sticking point begins which I want to mention. A corps of classifiers decides about in which category the handicapped sportsman should compete. Each Paralympic sport has its own classification physicians who, in some cases, literally decide on the career of a sportsman. If the sportsman’s handicap occurs on the edge between two categories, the inclusion in the category with greater disability may be the alpha and omega of future results.
It was just in 2010 when a tightening of belts in the cycle categories was experienced. Categories with physical and spastic disabilities were merged, and 5 new created. I dare to say that categories with the hardest handicap C1 and C2 suffered most from the merger. Thanks to my clear disability, I have a so called classification for life. Especially for cyclists with spastic disabilities, certain shifts in the state of disability can occur. Someone finds his/her handicap improved, someone is getting worse. Therefore, some cyclists proceed in different categories. In the category I ride, C2, the supply of two-legged cyclists is obvious. The last classification before the recent Track World Cup proved it. In my category, almost a half of the field at the start of each discipline was two-legged. Which is absolutely fatal at the start of track disciplines - 3km and above all 1 km. To start a heavy track transfer with one leg or with two and not to mention the start from the saddle (the racer is able to stand on the pedals) - it is a damn difference!
I was not yet fit enough following my last year’s injury to be able to fight for the medals at the WC in February, but even the last year's world record holder didn’t get the gold... Surprisingly, the winners were two two-legged cyclists...
As I already mentioned cycling with a disability can’t be completely fair, but it should be about similar disabilities and, therefore, about similar opportunities and chances.
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