[1] In 2008, BBC Sport defined this classification as "HCA: For athletes with complete loss of trunk and lower limb function"[1] In 2008, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation defined this classification was "Handcycling (HC): Cyclists in handcycling race on bikes with two big wheels at either end - they sit in the middle and use a hand crank rather than pedals to propel themselves forward.
These competitors usually require a wheelchair for mobility or are unable to use normal bikes or tricycles because of severe lower limb disability.
[3] In September 2006, governance for para-cycling passed from the International Paralympic Committee's International Cycling Committee to UCI at a meeting in Switzerland.
This policy was put into place in 2014, with the goal of avoiding last minute changes in classes that would negatively impact athlete training preparations.
All competitors needed to be internationally classified with their classification status confirmed prior to the Games, with exceptions to this policy being dealt with on a case-by-case basis.