H4 (classification)

H4 is a para-cycling classification. The UCI recommends this be coded as MH4 or WH4.[1]

This article is about the para-cycling classification. For other uses, see H4.

Definition

Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) defines H4[2] as:

  • Paraplegic with impairments corresponding to a complete lesion from Th11 or below
  • No lower limb function or limited function
  • Normal or almost normal trunk stability
  • Non-spinal cord injury, functional ability profile equivalent to sport class H4 (ex-H3)
  • Incomplete loss of lower limb function, functional ability profile equivalent to sport class H4 (ex-H3) or H5 (ex-H4), with other disabilities, which prevent the safe use of a conventional bicycle, tricycle or the Kneeling position in a handbike
  • Recumbent position in handbike (AP or ATP-bike)
  • Diplegia and athetosis/ataxia/dystonia (almost normal UE) Hemiplegic with spasticity a

minimum of grade 3, lower limb more involved.

The cycle

This classification can use ATP3 knee-seat cycle that is forward leaning on a rigid frame.[3]

Classification history

Cycling first became a Paralympic sport at the 1988 Summer Paralympics.[4] In September 2006, governance for para-cycling passed from the International Paralympic Committee's International Cycling Committee to UCI at a meeting in Switzerland. When this happened, the responsibility of classifying the sport also changed.[5]

For the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio, the International Paralympic Committee had a zero classification at the Games policy. This policy was put into place in 2014, with the goal of avoiding last minute changes in classes that would negatively impact athlete training preparations. All competitors needed to be internationally classified with their classification status confirmed prior to the Games, with exceptions to this policy being dealt with on a case-by-case basis.[6]

Competitors

Competitors in this classification include Ernst van Dyk (South Africa), Alex Zanardi (Italy), Andrea Eskau (Germany) and Laura de Vaan (Netherlands).

Rankings

This classification has UCI rankings for elite competitors.[7]

Events

Events for this classification at the include the men's Individual H 4 Road Race, Men's Individual H 4 Time Trial, women's Individual H 4 Road Race, and Women's Individual H 4 Time Trial.[8]

Becoming classified

Classification is handled by Union Cycliste Internationale.[9] 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.[10] In national competitions, the classification is handled by the national cycling federation.[10] Classification often has three components: physical, technical and observation assessment.[10]

See also

References
  1. "UCI Para-cycling Classification Guide". UCI. 17 April 2012. p. 4.
  2. "UCI Cycling Regulations - Para cycling" (PDF). Union Cycliste International website. Retrieved 2 June 2016.
  3. Vanlandewijck, Yves; Thompson, Walter R; IOC Medical Commission (2011). The paralympic athlete : handbook of sports medicine and science. Handbook of sports medicine and science. Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. p. 34. ISBN 9781444334043. OCLC 642278479.
  4. Australian Paralympic Committee (2012). "Cycling". Archived from the original on 2016-08-14.
  5. "Para-cycling High Performance". Australia: Cycling Australia. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
  6. "Rio 2016 Classification Guide" (PDF). International Paralympic Committee. International Paralympic Committee. March 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  7. "Ranking — PARA — Cycling 2012". Union Cycliste Internationale. June 2012. Archived from the original on 13 June 2012. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
  8. "Paralympic Cycling Road - Schedule, Results, Medals | London 2012". Archived from the original on 2012-06-14. Retrieved 2012-06-14.
  9. "Guide to the Paralympic Games – Appendix 1" (PDF). London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 2011. p. 42. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  10. "UCI Para-cycling Classification Guide". UCI. 17 April 2012. p. 5.
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