Paratriathlon classification

World Triathlon has implemented some modifications to the classification system that was introduced in 2014 after further research was conducted to address certain aspects of the previous system. The research project is an ongoing project for both physical and vision impairments.{{cite web|url=http://www.triathlon.org/paratriathlon/categories |title=Paratriathlon Categories |publisher=Triathlon.org |access-date=2020-06-21}}{{cite web|url=http://www.paralympic.org/triathlon/classification |title=Paralympic Classification |publisher=paralympic.org |access-date=2020-06-21}}

Paratriathlon groups athletes into nine sport classes, based on three types of impairment, that compete in six medal events.{{Cite web|title=Para Triathlon Classification & Categories|url=https://www.paralympic.org/triathlon/classification|access-date=2021-10-22|website=International Paralympic Committee|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Tokyo 2020 Paratriathlon Classifications Explained|url=https://www.britishtriathlon.org/news/tokyo-2020-paratriathlon-classifications-explained_11579|access-date=2021-10-22|website=www.britishtriathlon.org|language=en}}

The two classes are PTWC1 (more severe} and PTWC2, for upper limb and lower limb disabilities, respectively. Athletes must use a recumbent handcycle on the cycling segment and a racing chair for the running segment.

The two classes compete together in the same medal event, with PTWC1 competitors receiving a time advantage (3:08 for men, 4:04 for women).{{Cite web|last=Triathlon|first=World|date=2020-01-01|title=Paratriathlon - what you need to know ahead of Tokyo|url=https://www.triathlon.org/news/article/paratriathlon_what_you_need_to_know_ahead_of_tokyo|access-date=2021-10-22|website=World Triathlon|language=en}}

There are four classes—PTS2, PTS3, PTS4, and PTS5—with lower numbers indicating more severe limitations. Athletes may use approved prosthesis or other supportive devices for the cycling segment. These classes are open to athletes with impairments such as, but not limited to, muscle power disorders, limb deficiencies, hypertonia, ataxia, or athetosis. Each class competes in its own event.

The three classes are PTVI1 (totally blind or little or no light perception in either eye), PTVI2 (more severe partial blindness), and PTV3 (less severe partial blindness). Competitors must use a guide of the same gender and nationality throughout the race, and must use a tandem bike, with the guide leading, in the cycling segment. All three classes compete in the same event, with PTVI1 athletes receiving a headstart (3:21 for men, 3:48 for women).

The World Triathlon revised the Paratriathlon classification system in preparation for the sport's debut at the 2016 Summer Paralympics. The World Triathlon formed a Paratriathlon Classification Research Group to develop an evidence-based and sports specific classification system, drawing on work in swimming, cycling and athletics.{{cite web|access-date=16 Jan 2013|url=http://www.triathlon.org/news/article/itu_paratriathlon_classification_research_group_meets_in_San_Diego|title=World Triathlon Paratriathlon Classification Research Group meets in San Diego|date=19 February 2012 }}{{cite web|access-date=30 July 2012|url=http://www.paralympic.org/Classification/History|publisher=International Paralympic Committee|location=Bonn, Germany|title=Classification History}}

The result of the research was a classification system which was implemented during the 2014 season. There were five classes, PT1 to PT4 was for athletes with various mobility impairments with PT1 for the most impaired and PT4 for the least impaired. PT5 was for visually impaired athletes.{{cite web|url=http://www.triathlon.org/paratriathlon/categories |title=Paratriathlon Categories |publisher=Triathlon.org |access-date=2016-08-20}}

• PT1 – Athletes with mobility impairments such as muscle power, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis that render them incapable of safely running or pedalling a bicycle. They must have a classification assessment score of up to 640,0 points. Athletes must use a recumbent handcycle during the cycling stage and a racing wheelchair for the running phase of the race.
• PT2 – Athletes with mobility impairments such as muscle power, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis that have a classification assessment score of up to 454,9 points. Amputees may use approved prostheses or supportive devices during the running and cycling stages.
• PT3 – Athletes with mobility impairments such as muscle power, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis that have a classification assessment score from 455,0 to 494,9 points. Athletes may use approved prostheses or supportive devices during the running and cycling stages.
• PT4 – Athletes with mobility impairments such as muscle power, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis that have a classification assessment score from 495,0 to 557,0 points. Athletes may use approved prostheses or supportive devices during the running and cycling stages.
• PT5 – Athletes with a visual impairment. All qualifying levels of visual impairment, IBSA/IPC defined sub-classes B1, B2, and B3, are grouped together in this classification. Athletes must have a sighted guide of the same gender and nationality during the entire race and use a tandem bicycle during the cycling stage.

Until the 2014 season, the ITU classified paratriathletes into seven categories:{{cite web|url=https://www.triathlon.org/uploads/docs/ITU_Paratriathlon_Classification_Rules_and_Regulations_2013_-_FINAL_AUG.pdf|title=ITU Paratriathlon Classification Rules and Regulations|publisher=World Triathlon|date=August 2013|access-date=August 22, 2023|page=25}}

• TRI 1 – Wheelchair user: Includes Paraplegic, Quadriplegic, Polio, Double Leg Amputee and disabilities that prevent the safe use of a conventional bicycle. Must use hand cycle on bike course and racing wheelchair on the run.
• TRI 2 – Severe leg impairment, including above knee amputees. Must ride bicycle and run with above knee prosthesis or run using crutches.
• TRI 3 – Les Autres: Includes athletes with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, double leg amputee or paralysis in multiple limbs. Must ride a bicycle or tricycle and run. May use braces or prosthesis.
• TRI 4 – Arm impairment: Includes paralysis, above elbow amputees and below elbow amputees, or impairment in both upper limbs. Must ride a bike. May use prosthesis, brace or sling on the bike and/or run.
• TRI 5 – Moderate leg impairment: Includes below-knee amputees. Must ride a bicycle and may run with prosthesis.
• TRI 6a – Visual impairment, total blindness or may be able to perceive light but not recognise the shape of a hand at any distance or direction. Competes with a guide of the same gender and uses a tandem bicycle.
• TRI 6b – Visual Impairment: Includes visual acuity of less than 6/60 vision or visual field less than 40 degrees with best corrective vision. One guide of the same gender is mandatory throughout the race.

This classification system was used at National, Continental and World Paratriathlon Championships until the end of the 2013 season.

As in many other sports, there are three levels of paratriathlon classification available: Provisional, National and International. The first is for athletes who do not have access to a full classification panel; it is a temporary indication of class, generally used only in lower levels of competition. The second can be used in all domestic competitions. To compete internationally, an International-level classification is required.{{cite web|url=http://www.paralympic.org.au/classification |title=What is Classification? |publisher=Australian Paralympic Committee |access-date=30 July 2012 |location=Sydney, Australia}} Many disabled triathletes compete entirely in age-group races, without going through the classification process.

The Ironman World Championship includes several divisions for paratriathletes:{{cite web |url=http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/ironman/world-championship/athletes/lottery-and-legacy.aspx |title="/> {{cite web|url = https://www.paralympic.org/sites/default/files/document/160404093217097_Classification+Guide+-+updated+version_0.pdf|title = Rio 2016 Classification Guide|date = March 2016|website = International Paralympic Committee|access-date = July 22, 2016}} In case there was a need for classification or reclassification at the Games despite best efforts otherwise, paratriathlon classification was scheduled to take place at Fort Copacabana from September 4–6 for vision impaired competitors, and September 5–6 for all others. For sportspeople with physical or intellectual disabilities going through classification or reclassification in Rio, their in-competition observation event is their first appearance in competition at the Games.

{{Portal|Sports}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Disability sports classification}}

Category:Parasports classifications

Classification