Tandem Cycling
Tandem cycling lets two riders’ cycle together and consists of a sighted pilot at the front who communicates what’s ahead to the person with vision impairment in the rear seat, known as “a stoker”. Both riders pedal while the pilot in the front also steers.
Your tandem pilot can also give you information about surface changes, obstacles, turns, upcoming hills, and when to brake.
Recreational tandem cycling
Tandem cycling is attractive to all ages and genders. Any mix of age and gender is possible. Tandems suitable for young children are also available. It is an activity that can be enjoyed along with friends or family.
Competitive tandem cycling
Those who practice competitive cycling as a sport participate in both road based and velodrome (indoor track) based races. These races require distinct skills and specialist tandems. Both cyclists have to train and race as elite sportsmen and women. They require a mixture of speed, strength and endurance depending on the specific event.
Competitions
Cycling was introduced as a Paralympic Sport in Seoul in 1988. Ireland first competed in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. The three vision impairment categories (B1, B2 and B3) compete together. On the road tandems compete in road races, one-day competitions or competitions by stages which last several days.
On the track the competition distances are 200m sprints, 1km time trials or 4km pursuits.
The Cycling Ireland Para-cycling Commission will host a series of events throughout 2025, including the launch of the inaugural “Revolution Cup”—a 9-round race series running from March to September, open to classified and non-classified riders.
Para-cycling uses the technical regulations of the International Cycling Union (UCI) at all cycling competitions. Visit the UCI website at www.uci.ch or the Paracycling section of the Cycling Ireland Website www.cyclingireland.ie
Tandem Pilot Training Course
Tandem Pilot Training courses are delivered in partnership between Vision Sports Ireland and Cycling Ireland with the aim of creating a National Register of qualified Tandem Pilot Volunteers.
Courses are held in various locations each year. If you would like to hold one in your locality, or are interested in registering for one, please contact us on info@visionsports.ie
Paralympic Tandem Cycling
Tandem cycling is a fast paced and inclusive sport that allows people with vision impairments to compete at the highest levels. Each tandem bicycle is ridden by a sighted “pilot” at the front and a vision impaired “stoker” at the rear, working together as a team. Events take place on both the track and the road, and athletes are classified according to their level of vision to ensure fair competition.
Classification Categories for Vision Impaired Cyclists
B1 – Cyclists with no light perception in either eye, or no usable vision.
B2 – Cyclists with a visual acuity of up to 2/60 and/or a visual field of less than 5 degrees.
B3 – Cyclists with a visual acuity above 2/60 and up to 6/60 and/or a visual field of less than 20 degrees.
Contact
Vision Sports Ireland, Vision Ireland, Whitworth Road, Dublin 9.
Phone:
01 4056030
Email:
info@visionsports.ie
Galway Vision Impaired Activity Club – Tom Kelly
Phone:
0876042606
Email:
gviaclub@gmail.com
Louth WATCH Club – Maureen Madden
Phone:
08852656972
Email:
oconnormaureen50@gmail.com
