About
About
Aim of the game
Athletes must complete a course consisting of a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run in the shortest possible time
Why should you watch this?
In addition to witnessing a historic moment – the debut of triathlon at the Paralympic Games – the physical and mental endurance of these athletes will amaze and inspire you
Venues
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Drafting
Cycling technique whereby competitors ride closely behind each other to take advantage of the slipstream – it is prohibited in the Paralympic triathlon
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Handbike
Bicycles that are propelled with the arms, used by paraplegic athletes and amputees
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Handlers
There are two tipes of handlers: the LOC handlers, responsible for assisting the triathletes from the swim exit to the pre-transition area, and the personal handlers, allowed to assist their athlete in the transition area or also in the pre-transition area for PT1 athletes.
Impress your friends
Swim
All competitors start the race together and must swim a 750m course in open water, marked out by buoys. Visually impaired athletes compete with their guides throughout the entire race.
Cycle
Leaving the water, athletes may collect assistive equipment in the pre-transition area, running thereafter to the transition, stripping their wetsuits, removing their swimming caps and goggles and put on a helmet for the 20km biking segment.
Athletes can use conventional bikes with approved adaptations (PT2-PT4 classes), a tandem (PT5) or handcycle (PT1).
Run
The final section is a 5km run, which athletes can complete in racing wheelchairs (PT1), running with or without support of assistive devices (PT2-PT4) or alongside with their guides (PT5).
