# Para Triathlon · Triathlon Level 6: Advanced

Triathlon · Level 6: Advanced · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/triathlon/level-6/para-triathlon/)

Para Triathlon in Triathlon (Level 6: Advanced) on Insporta: 100 sourced facts behind 10 tests. Covers: para triathlon sport classes; and more.

The nine sport classes and six medal events, how classification works, personal handlers and guides, the para swim exit and transition, handcycles, racing wheelchairs, prosthetics and tandem racing.

## Test 1: Para Triathlon Sport Classes

- The rules define nine sport classes: PTWC1-2, PTS2-5 and PTVI1-3. Six is the number of medal events they are grouped into. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.2)
- PTWC1 and PTWC2 are the wheelchair-user classes, racing on a handcycle and then a racing wheelchair. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.2)
- VI stands for visual impairment; the three PTVI classes run from total blindness (PTVI1) to less severe partial sight (PTVI3). (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.2)
- PTS2 is defined as severe impairment, PTS3 significant, PTS4 moderate and PTS5 mild. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.2)
- PTWC1 covers the most impaired wheelchair users and PTWC2 the least impaired; both race together for one set of medals. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.2)
- Both PTWC classes must ride an arm-powered handcycle in a recumbent position; the tandem belongs to the PTVI classes. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.2, 17.14)
- The run is done in a three-wheeled racing wheelchair; the day chair is only used to get from pre-transition to transition. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.2, 17.15)
- PTVI1 includes athletes who are totally blind, from no light perception in either eye up to some light perception. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.2)
- One guide is mandatory for all three PTVI classes for the whole race; guide dogs are not allowed at any time. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.2, 17.17)
- The system is evidence-based: impairments are grouped by the activity limitation they cause in the sport, not by diagnosis alone. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.2)

## Test 2: Medal Events and Race Formats

- The six medal events are PTWC, PTS2, PTS3, PTS4, PTS5 and PTVI, because two groups of classes are combined. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.3)
- Each of the four PTS classes is its own event with its own podium, because the impairment gap between them is large. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.3)
- Under the Interval Start System the less impaired class starts later or has compensation time added to its final time. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.5)
- The 2025 table sets +3:00 for PTWC2 men over a sprint triathlon; the women's figure is +3:38. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.5)
- Each sport class carries a points value and a team's total may not exceed 20, so strong classes must be balanced by weaker ones. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.21)
- Paralympic, world, continental, Para Series and Para Cup races are held over the sprint distance (750 m, 20 km, 5 km). (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.5)
- The rules set a two-hour limit for these sprint-distance para championships and series races. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.5)
- All para classes may race triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon, but cross and winter formats are open to PTS2-PTS5 only. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.5)
- A para duathlon should use at least two waves a minute or more apart, with PTWC1 and PTWC2 in the first one. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.5)
- Every team has exactly one PTWC athlete, who may only race the first leg. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.21)

## Test 3: The Classification Process

- International classification confirms that the athlete meets minimum eligibility and assigns the sport class they race in. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.4)
- Athletes attend an international classification appointment with a panel designated by World Triathlon before competing. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.4)
- The PI or VI Medical Diagnostics Form, signed by medical personnel, plus a photo and relevant records, is required. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.4)
- The athlete's federation submits medical documentation to World Triathlon ahead of time so a provisional class can be assigned. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.4)
- World Triathlon studies each request individually and decides whether past results should be modified. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.4)
- Two different diagnoses can produce the same limitation in swimming, cycling and running, so fairness depends on the limitation. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.2)
- For PTS2-PTS5 the classification process determines whether each athlete may use one personal handler. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.7)
- The effective need for prostheses, orthoses or other adaptive equipment is approved during classification evaluation. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.16)
- Reclassification after observation means the finishing time is recalculated with the compensation time of the new class. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.5)
- The rules route protests about starting order and compensation times through the Protest of Eligibility article. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.5)

## Test 4: Personal Handlers

- Finding a qualified handler is the athlete's responsibility; officials then identify and credential the handler at the briefing. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.7)
- PTWC athletes may have up to one personal handler, the same allowance as approved PTS athletes. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.7)
- No handlers are allotted to PTVI1-3 because the guide may act as the personal handler. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.7)
- Handlers may lift athletes in and out of handcycles and wheelchairs, but anything that propels the athlete forward is forbidden. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.7)
- The rules state that any handler action that propels the athlete forward may result in disqualification. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.7)
- Handlers stay within two metres of the athlete's spot and need a technical official's permission to leave that zone. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.7)
- One personal handler can assist a maximum of one athlete. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.7)
- Handlers are registered and credentialed by World Triathlon technical officials at the para triathlon briefing. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.6, 17.7)
- A registered handler can only be replaced in exceptional circumstances and after approval by the technical delegate. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.8)
- Handlers may repair bikes in transition or at the official wheel station; on course, only a PTVI guide may help repair. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.7)

## Test 5: Swim Exit and Transition

- Red means lift to the wetsuit removal area, yellow means support to walk or run, and green, orange or white means no help. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.10)
- Guides wear white caps; PTVI1 athletes wear orange and PTVI2/3 athletes green. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.6, 17.10)
- The organiser provides at least 16 swim exit assistants; the technical delegate sets the final number. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.10)
- Where a pre-transition area exists, PTWC and PTS athletes may take off their wetsuits there before moving on to T1. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.9)
- All PTWC athletes transfer in a day chair, which must have functional brakes; bikes are not allowed from the swim exit. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.9)
- Chairs numbered 1-9 and 0 hold the devices, and each athlete leaves theirs at the chair matching the last digit of their number. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.9)
- Hopping on one leg is not permitted between pre-transition and T1; a prosthesis or crutches must be used. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.9)
- The order from the mount line is PTVI, then PTS5, PTS4, PTS3, PTS2, and PTWC furthest away. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.10)
- Each PTWC athlete gets a 4 x 2 m space that must hold the athlete, the handler and all their equipment. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.10)
- PTWC athletes may ride the handcycle inside transition; no bikes, tandems or handcycles are allowed from the swim exit. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.10)

## Test 6: Para Swim Rules

- The para triathlon swim always starts in the water, which removes the running entry many athletes could not make safely. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.11)
- Classes are presented from PTVI1 through to PTWC2, and the PTWC athletes enter the water last. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.11)
- Para triathletes are not required to leave the water between laps. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.11)
- Prostheses and orthoses count as propulsion devices in the swim, and using one there results in disqualification. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.11)
- Approved knee braces are the one exception: they may give neither flotation nor propulsion and are approved in advance. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.11, 17.13)
- PTWC athletes may use up to three bindings of non-floating material, each at most 10 cm wide, anywhere on the legs. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.13)
- For every para swim length from 750 m to 4000 m, the 2025 table makes wetsuits mandatory below 18 °C. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.11)
- Wetsuits are not permitted when the water is 24.6 °C or warmer. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.11)
- The 2025 table sets 45 minutes for 750 m; an athlete over the limit and more than 100 m from the finish is removed. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.11)
- The swim may be cancelled above 32 °C or below 15 °C, with cold air lowering the official water figure further. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.11)

## Test 7: Handcycles

- A handcycle is driven through a chainset with hand grips in place of pedals, by the hands, arms and upper body only. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.14)
- The rules define the handcycle as an arm-powered, three-wheeled vehicle with a steerable front wheel. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.14)
- To guarantee clear vision, the height of the athlete's eyes must be equal to or greater than the height of the crank housing. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.14)
- All handcycles must have a mirror, fixed either to the helmet or at the front of the bike, so the athlete can see behind. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.14)
- The rules require the feet to be positioned in front of the knees throughout the bike segment. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.14)
- PTWC athletes must stop completely at the mount and dismount lines and continue only when the official says "Go". (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.14)
- The stop is correct only if the front wheel halts before the line; touching or crossing it earns a time penalty. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.14)
- The largest chain ring needs a robust guard covering at least 180 degrees on the side facing the rider. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.14)
- Protective shields, fairings or other devices that reduce resistance are banned on bicycles, tandems and handcycles. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.12, 17.14)
- No para bike course may exceed 12% at its steepest section; para run courses are capped at 5%. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.12)

## Test 8: Racing Wheelchairs on the Run

- The chair has two large rear wheels and one small front wheel, which must have a brake. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.15)
- Any propulsion other than the athlete pushing on the wheels or push-rims results in disqualification; gears and levers are banned. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.15)
- The approved bike helmet stays on whenever the athlete is seated in the chair on the run. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.15)
- Drafting off a motorbike is forbidden inside a 15 m zone; behind other vehicles the zone is 35 m. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.15)
- Blue cards are used to inform athletes of drafting off a motorbike or vehicle, with the drafting penalty applied. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.15)
- The overtaking athlete must ensure full clearance of the other chair before cutting across. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.15)
- Finish is the moment the centre of the leading wheel's axle reaches the nearer edge of the finish line. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.15)
- Only one plain, round hand rim is allowed per large wheel, and no gears or levers may propel the chair. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.15)
- The large wheels may not exceed 70 cm with the tyre inflated; the small wheel's limit is 50 cm. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.15)
- Athletes must give their lower limbs enough support that they do not drag or touch the ground during the event. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.14, 17.15)

## Test 9: Prosthetics and Bike Adaptations

- All bikes must be human-powered with arms or legs, never both; a violation means disqualification. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.12)
- Running blades are allowed only as long as they are mounted on a prosthesis. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.16)
- A prosthesis is permitted on the deficient limb only to balance both legs and allow symmetrical movement. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.16)
- Except on handcycles, the rider's position must be supported solely by the pedals, the saddle and the handlebars. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.12)
- A thigh support or socket for an above-knee amputation without prosthesis is not treated as an adaptation needing approval. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.12)
- A brake splitter is allowed for one upper-limb impairment and is not considered a bike adaptation. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.12)
- Bikes and tandems need a brake on each wheel, but both of a handcycle's brakes act on the front wheel. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.12)
- Requests go in writing at least a month before the event, with a clear explanation and a minimum of five pictures. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.12)
- Grips and prosthetics can be attached to the bike or to the athlete's body, but not to both simultaneously. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.12)
- Para triathlon competitions are draft-illegal; winter triathlon, cross duathlon and cross triathlon are the draft-legal exceptions. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.12)

## Test 10: Racing with a Guide

- Each athlete must have a guide of the same gender and nationality, both licensed by the same national federation. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.17)
- An athlete cannot guide until twelve months after their last elite sprint or standard-distance event. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.17)
- With a medical certificate, a guide may be replaced up to 24 hours before the official start and not afterwards. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.17)
- The limit is 1.5 m head to head in the swim and 0.5 m in every other segment. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.17)
- At the finish the guide must be beside or behind the athlete, still within 0.5 m. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.17)
- The swim tether is an elastic rope in a bright or reflective colour, up to 80 cm long without tension. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.17)
- The run tether must be non-elastic so it cannot store energy or give the athlete a performance gain. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.17)
- The front rider steers and is known as the pilot; PTVI athletes and guides must ride a tandem. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.17)
- PTVI1 athletes wear blackout swim goggles until their bike spot in T1, then blackout glasses to the finish. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.17)
- Leading contact is allowed 10 m before and after aid stations, sharp turns and other sections named at the briefing. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (18 January 2025), 17.17)

Sources: World Triathlon Competition Rules (2025), IRONMAN qualification announcements, and sport-, travel- and event-medicine reference

Take the tests: https://insporta.app/try?utm_source=book&utm_medium=referral