T1 is a para-cycling classification. It is for athletes with severe locomotive dysfunctions, and insufficient balance to use a regular bicycle. The class includes a number of different disability types including cerebral palsy. The class only competes in road events and uses tricycles (hence the "T" in T1).
PBS defined this classification as "Tricycle 1 (T1) is for athletes with severe locomotor dysfunction and insufficient balance for cycling." [1] In 1997, this classification was defined by Alison Gray in Against the odds : New Zealand Paralympians as: tetraplegic - almost no use of trunk, arms and hands". Gray noted this classification was for wheelchair athletes. [2] The Telegraph defined this classification in 2011 as "T 1-2: Athletes on tricycles, who have severe locomotive dysfunctions and limited ability to pedal" [3]
The class includes people with cerebral palsy. CP1 to CP4 competitors may compete in the T1 class. [4] [5] [6] Tricycles are only eligible to compete in road events, not track ones. [4] [6]
Cyclists within this class are required to wear a helmet, with a special color used to designate their class. Male T1 competitors wear black helmets; T1 women wear blue helmets. [7]
Cycling first became a Paralympic sport at the 1988 Summer Paralympics. [8] In September 2006, governance for para-cycling, including the responsibility for classification, passed from the International Paralympic Committee's International Cycling Committee to UCI. [9]
Classification is handled by Union Cycliste Internationale. [10] 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. [11] In national competitions, the classification is handled by the national cycling federation. [11] Classification often has three components: physical, technical and observation assessment. [11]
At the 2012 Summer Paralympics, events for this classification include T 1-2 Road Race and Mixed T 1-2 Time Trial. [12]
This classification has UCI rankings for elite competitors. [13]