Cycling

Athletes Without Limits is looking for talented cyclists with intellectual disability to represent the US at upcoming national and international cycling events.

As the US member of INAS, Athletes Without Limits offers opportunities for US cyclists to compete at the highest levels in their sport. International competitions are already being organized by INAS and are run according to UCI rules and distances. Just like in Olympic competition, there are no separate categories by ability level—the top three competitors win Gold, Silver and Bronze in each event. Overall winners will be based on finishes of each event.

Qualified athletes may be able to travel to national and international competitions with the US delegation. Athletes must meet the INAS eligibility requirements and complete the eligibility application to be considered. Please review eligibility guidelines and contact us if you know of any athletes who may be interested in competing in or aspiring to compete in national and international elite level competition. We look forward to meeting you!

International: INAS Cycling 

The International Federation for Sport for Athletes with an Intellectual Disability (INAS) offers world championship level cycling events and stage races for cyclists with intellectual disability.  INAS competitors are an elite group of athletes from around the world making great achievements in cycling and other sports, and we are proud that US cyclist Syd Lea is among them—taking 2nd overall in a 5-day stage race at the 2009 Global Games.

But Syd needs teammates in order to be as competitive as possible and in order for the US to participate in team time trial events, therefore Athletes Without Limits is actively recruiting talented cyclists with intellectual disability to join the our US Cycling Team.

Interested US athletes will work with Athletes Without Limits (the US member of INAS) to complete the athlete eligibility process in order to compete in INAS events. Athletes Without Limits will organize trips to INAS cycling events based on athlete interest. Please contact us for more information.

Rules:
All INAS-FID cycling competitions are held according to INAS Cycling Specifications and are officiated by the International Cycling Union (UCI). As with all INAS competitions, only the top athletes in each event win; there are no separate divisions by ability level as in Special Olympic events.

National: Cycling Opportunities in the US

Those new to road cycling may want to try a Special Olympics cycling event. Athletes Without Limits co-founders Tracy Lea and Barry Holman organize a Special Olympics Cycling event that is paired with a Juniors (non-disabled) event each year.

Athletes are also encouraged look for a local club or team to train with and when ready join USA Cycling to compete in mainstream cycling events. Newly registered athletes begin as Category 5 (beginner) racers and can move up to higher categories through race results. Athletes may want to consider participating in Road Races and/or Time Trials in spring and summer as well as Cyclocross events in the fall.

Cycling News & Events:

First US Team to Compete at Global Games in Czech Republic July 5-14

June 29, 2009: Nearly 1,500 elite athletes with intellectual disability from 40 countries will compete for world championships in nine sports.

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2009 Global Games Czech Republic

July 4-15, 2009: Liberec, Czech Republic - With the startup of Athletes Without Limits opportunities to compete at a high level in Cycling, Swimming, Track & Field, Rowing, Table Tennis and other sports are open to US athletes for the first time!

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Recruiting Athletes for First US Team to Compete at Global Games

March 1, 2009: Athletes Without Limits is looking for talented athletes with intellectual disability for new international opportunity to compete against top athletes in the World.

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