1. Built for Two
Tandem cycling for the blind, a popular competitive sport in the blind community, is an official sport of the International Blind Federation of Sports. Blind athletes compete on special racing-tandem bicycles or bicycles built for two people. If you are a blind tandem cyclist, you do the pedaling from the back of the bicycle while a seeing partner steers the bike. The seeing partner, called the captain, is always fully sighted and controls the bike, while the stocker, or blind partner, helps power the bike. Superior communication and teamwork skills are the key to victory in tandem cycling for the blind. Compete in a wide variety of competitions including indoor track races and road races.
2. Go the Distance
Road races take place on regular roads and can last for a single day or occur over several days in stages. Join a wide range of blind and visually impaired athletes when you compete in these races. Cycle across flatlands, hills and mountainous terrains as you travel great distances. Men's road races range from 100 to 135 kilometers. Cycle challenging yet shorter distances if you are a blind female tandem cyclist. Women's road races typically stretch between 50 and 70 kilometers. Many tandem cycling road races for the blind span the distance between two cities and offer a unique and challenging course each and every race.
3. Sprint to the Finish
Track races for blind athletes happen in velodromes, or circuit tracks with steep banks. Use a specialized tandem track bike for these races. Track bikes do not have breaks and have only one speed that is custom fitted to the athlete. Choose from many competitive track races such as the sprint, the individual pursuit, and the one-kilometer time trial. Race in the sprint against one other tandem team for the distance of 1,000 kilometers. Compete in the individual pursuit for distances between 3,000 and 4,000 meters. Try the one-kilometer time trial if you're on a men's tandem team. Give the 500-meter time trial a try if you're on a women's tandem team. Experience the many track racing events open to mixed teams such as the 3,000-meter individual pursuit and the 500-meter time trial.
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