Inspired by the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games? Here’s everything you need to know about British Cycling’s Paralympic Talent Development programme.

What is the Paralympic Talent Development Programme?

The Paralympic Talent Development programme is the bridge between open disability cycling and the Great Britain Cycling Team. It has been created to find the 2028 and 2032 Paralympic Cycling Champions and aims to cultivate an inclusive and diverse training environment that maximises opportunities for talented athletes to progress into the Great Britain Cycling Team Pathway.

Is Para-cycling for me?

The Paralympic Talent Programme is for riders with an eligible impairment across our four sport classes; Bicycles (C-division), Tricycles (T-division), Handcycles (H-division) and Tandems (B-division).

Learn more about para-cycling here.

Where do I start?

Step 1) Eligibility: Check you have an eligible impairment for para-cycling using the table here: Para-cycling classification (britishcycling.org.uk) & register your interest in being classified using this form Classification Pre-Assessment (smartsurvey.co.uk)

Step 2) Talent ID: Register your interest in Talent ID here GBCT Para-cycling (smartsurvey.co.uk) & get in touch with our Para-cycling Pathway Team using paratalent@britishcycling.org.uk to learn more about our upcoming talent ID events

Step 3) Get cycling! Find your local Limitless activity here, and cycling clubs across the UK here. Come and have a go at cycling at one of the British Paralympic Association’s upcoming  ‘Discover your potential days’ sign up to your local event here ParalympicsGB | Discover your paralympic potential

What could I expect from the Paracycling Talent Development Programme?

The Mission:

The Paralympic Talent Programme explores the potential of Para cyclists who fall into the four paralympic classification groups (see more here), developing and equipping riders with the potential to progress into the GBCT Pathway. It also aims to: 

• Develop the depth and breadth of Para cyclists across England;
• Inspire athletes, engaging them in an enriching experience that is bigger than just sport;
• Utilise world-class riders, environments, coaches and partners to ensure athletes have the very best support network and tools available to them;
• Enable riders to flourish both as people and athletes, promoting holistic, long-term rider development;
• Identify and support riders from a diverse range of communities;
• Provide positive experiences at all times, promoting and fostering physical and mental wellbeing.  

The Programme:

Initially, athletes will be identified through talent ID events.  If successful, riders will then join the Talent Development National Academy and be supported by British Cycling Talent Development coaches. Support will be tailored to the needs of individual riders and the group at any one time, but will compromise elements of the following support: 

• Regular training camps.  
• 121 coaching support. 
• Online session planning. 
• Group Education. 
• Participation in National Para Series events.  
• Mentoring from senior riders 
• Access to world class facilities such as Manchester Velodrome. 
• Kit and other British Cycling support.  
• Inclusion with GBCT pathway training sessions/camps. 

Apply for the National Talent Programme:

For more information regarding the Paralmypic Talent Development Pathway, email paratalent@britishcycling.org.uk or contact the Talent coaching here. 

The Journey:

The Paralympic rider journey can be seen below, click on the image to expand.   

For more information specifically regarding Paralympic Talent Development, please email ParaTalent@britishcycling.org.uk or contact one of the Talent Development Paralympic Coaches here.