Paris 2024 Paralympic Games | Program, favorites... All about the Para triathlon event

On September 1 and 2, the Para triathlon events of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will take place around the Pont Alexandre III. Swimming, cycling and running, athletes in this discipline will have to give their all in three sports to win precious medals.

Where?

The 11 medal events will take place around the Pont Alexandre III. During the Olympic Games, the Pont Alexandre III was the venue for the triathlon, with the success of France's Cassandre Beaugrand and Great Britain's Alex Yee.

The three components of the Para triathlon include a 750 m swim, a 20 km cycle and a 5 km run. All of which will take between 1h and 1h30 depending on the category.

When?

Two days are reserved for the Para triathlon competitions of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Indeed, Sunday September 1 and Monday September 2 are the days when the races are scheduled, with 11 medal-awarding events.

What are the classification rules?

For Para triathlon, the classification is based on the letters PT for Para triathlon + the disability in English: WC = wheelchair, S = standing, VI = visual impairment.

Three disability categories within which athletes are grouped into 9 classes:

• PTWC 1-2 (Para triathlon wheelchair): lower-limb disability requiring the use of a handcycle for the cycling part and an athletics wheelchair for the running part.
  PTWC1 and PTWC2 categories compete together at the Paralympic Games. Delayed starts ensure fairness between triathletes with different disabilities.
• PTS2 to PTS5 (Para triathlon standing): upper and/or lower limb disability, but not requiring the use of a handbike or wheelchair.
  Competitors may use lower-limb prostheses for cycling and running.
• PTVI 1-3 (Para Triathlon Visual impairement): visual handicap
  These 3 categories compete together at the Paralympic Games. Staggered starts ensure fairness between visually impaired and blind triathletes, all of whom are accompanied by a guide.

What adaptations for athletes?

There are a number of adaptations for Para triathlon linked to the different disability families:

• athletes who can't run complete the cycling course on a handbike and the race in an athletics wheelchair. They are
  authorized to benefit from human assistance during transitions (swim-bike, bike-run), decisive stages in a triathlon event.
• Para triathletes with visual impairments run the entire course with a guide of the same type, without changing during the course, and complete the cycling course on a tandem.
• Standing athletes can run with a prosthesis or make modifications to their bike, if their disability so requires.

Everyone starts in the water with one hand on the starting pontoon, in waves according to category.

Who will it be?

One of the big favorites in the Para triathlon events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is Alexis Hanquinquant, local hero and flag-bearer for the French delegation. Reigning Paralympic champion and multiple PTS4 world gold medallist, he looks to be the clear favourite. The 21-strong French delegation is also highly ambitious (it brought home 8 gold medals from the 2023 Worlds).

Other Para triathletes should shine on the Seine, starting with Lauren Parker (PTWC), Kendall Gretsch (PTWC), Susana Rodriguez (PTVI), Kelly Elmlinger (PTS4), Dave Ellis (PTVI) and Martin Schulz (PTS5).

How can you attend?

Tickets are available on the official Paris 2024 Games ticketing service. For the return match after the Olympic Games, take advantage of the opportunity and treat yourself to a second dose of happiness and thrills!