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-FID, 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-FID 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-FID 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!
Cycling Events
- 5th INAS-FID Open European Cycling Championships
June 1-7, 2010: Idanha Nova Portugal
Registration Deadline: TBD but athletes should begin eligibility application 5-6 months ahead. - Cyclocross Race to Benefit Athletes Without Limits
November 29, 2009: Taneytown, MD
Get muddy, bring the kids and work off that turkey! - 2009 INAS-FID Global Games
July 4-15, 2009: Liberec, Czech Republic
The next Global Games will be in 2013
International: INAS-FID Cycling
The International Federation for Sport for Athletes with an Intellectual Disability (INAS-FID) offers world championship level cycling events and stage races for cyclists with intellectual disability. INAS-FID 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-FID) to complete the athlete eligibility process in order to compete in INAS-FID events. Athletes Without Limits will organize trips to INAS-FID cycling events based on athlete interest. Please contact us for more information.
Rules:
All INAS-FID cycling competitions are held according to INAS-FID Cycling Specifications and are officiated by the International Cycling Union (UCI). As with all INAS-FID 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.
