British Cycling is pleased to announce today the introduction of four new classification categories to the National Disability and Paracycling Series, providing more opportunities than ever before for riders to develop their talent, meet new people and experience the thrill of racing.

The new categories introduced for 2022 include Bicycles, Handcycles, Tricycles and Recumbent Tricycles, in addition to the existing Tandem category, in a bid to widen access to domestic racing to those with a disability who do not meet the existing UCI minimum impairment criteria.

The four-round series begins this weekend with the circuit races at Harvey Hadden in Nottingham on Sunday 17 April, followed by the time-trial in Whatton, Nottinghamshire, on Monday 18 April. Each weekend of the series will consist of a circuit race and time-trial on consecutive days, with rounds three and four taking place in Norfolk and round five and six in Bath. The venue for the final weekend of the series will be confirmed in due course.

The 2022 National Para-cycling Championships will take place on the Bank Holiday weekend of 28-29 August, with the circuit races taking place on the Sunday at Marsh Tracks in Rhyl. The time-trials will be staged in the North West of England on the Monday, with the venue to be confirmed. Full details of the 2022 calendar can be found here.

In addition to the national calendar, a new regional events programme will soon be launched to further extend the racing offer, as part of British Cycling’s wider plans to enhance club, talent development and coaching opportunities for disabled cyclists.

British Cycling’s Cycling Delivery Director, Dani Every, said:

“Our incredible para-cyclists inspired and united the nation once again in Tokyo last summer, and following their success I’m thrilled that we’re now able to further extend our national level racing opportunities and support more riders to enjoy all of the benefits that come with competing in our sport.

“Through our Disability Hubs and talent development work we have a proud track record of supporting disabled cyclists at all levels and providing them with a platform to fulfil their ambitions in the sport, whatever they may be.

“While certain barriers to participation remain, we’re committed to providing regular, progressive and fun participation opportunities for riders of all abilities, and look forward to sharing more details on our wider plans to grow this vital area of our sport later in the year.”

Recumbent trike rider, Andy Shuttleworth, added:

“After some very positive discussions during the Covid-19 lockdown I’m delighted to see that British Cycling has introduced a recumbent tricycle sport group offering as part of the National Para-cycling Series. It will take a year or two for the word to get out, but I suspect a lot of trike riders who, like myself, cannot ride uprights or hand cycles for medical reasons, will be delighted.”

Want to support our efforts to enable more disabled people to ride and compete at all levels? We’re currently recruiting for a number of roles in this area, which you can find out more about here.

Full calendar

Round 1

• Sunday 17 April – Closed Circuit Races, Harvey Hadden

• Monday 18 April – Time Trial, Nottinghamshire

Round 2

• Thursday 2 June – Time Trial, Lotus Test Track, Norfolk

• Friday 3 June – Closed Circuit Races, Lotus Test Track, Norfolk

Round 3

• Saturday 16 July – Time Trial, South Region

• Sunday 17 July – Closed Circuit Races, Odd Down, Bath

Round 4

• TBC

National Para-cycling Championships

• Saturday 27 August – Circuit races, Marsh tracks, Rhyl

• Sunday 28 August – Time-trials, North West England, (TBC)