Things You'll Need:
- Tandem bicycle
- Safety helmet
- Approved gloves, shoes, and uniform (international competition)
- Documentation of visual impairment for one team member
- IBSA permit and license for both team members (minimum age 16)
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Step 1
Provide medical documentation to become eligible for official competitions on the national and international levels. This is needed to verify visual impairment and to determine which class (B1 to B3, with B1 being entirely blind) a cyclist will compete in. A permit and license are required for both team members for IBSA sanctioned events.
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Step 2
Train for races. Coordination and good communication is important for a tandem cycling team to compete effectively. A lot of work is required because this is a grueling aerobic sport just as is regular cycling. Road races vary from shorter events for women and mixed teams (50 to 85 km) up to long distance events of 135 km. Other events include technical and sprint competitions in velodromes.
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Step 3
Compete in races. Even if you are not ready for elite competition at the international level, you can enter regular cycling road races. This is one of the unique features of tandem cycling for the blind. It gives visually impaired athletes the chance to compete alongside other athletes whether able-bodied or with disabilities.
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Step 4
See how far you can go. In countries around the world national and international tandem cycling for the blind events attract large numbers of participants. Top athletes can compete at the elite levels and even in the Paralympic games.
