HANDCYCLING ASSOCIATION OF THE

UNITED KINGDOM (HCAUK)

The sport of hancycling offers people with mobility impairments the opportunity to participate in an activity that promotes health & fitness.

The Handcycling Association is one of the newest BWSF affiliated sports associations and was set up to promote and encourage handcycling for recreational and competitive purposes throughout the UK.

Committed to providing the best opportunities for its membership, the association has identified the following priorities:

· promotion

· recreation

· exercise

· information

· access

· research & development

· racing

Members receive a regular newsletter; information on routes throughout the UK and Europe; the latest news on handcycling; insurance at events and information on competitions both in the UK and abroad.

There are two basic forms of handcycle, one that attaches to your wheelchair and the other a standalone recumbent bike. Handcycling is one of the fastest growing sports for disabled athletes and it now has Paralympic status. The British Grand Prix combines a number of races around the UK and is set to become the focal point of British handcycle racing. There are three classification divisions for men (A, B & C) and a combined class for women.

A Tetraplegics

B Mid level paraplegics up to T9/10

C Paraplegics for T11 to L4, amputees, able bodied etc.

A dedicated team has recently been formed, (TEAM SPECIALIZED-BLOC) that brings together the expertise and experience of the best riders in the UK. These elite riders are being encouraged to race on the European Handycling Circuit (EHC) which is the cornerstone of the best races in the world.

The beauty of the sport is that whatever level you want to participate at, it is available for you.

For more information on handcycling contact:

David Abrutat

43 Yarnolds, Shurdington, Cheltenham GLOS GL51 4SJ

Tel 01242 703379 Email abrutat@blueyonder.co.uk