The USA Paratriathlon Development Series is the premiere national-level racing circuit for up-and-coming paratriathletes in the United States. The aim of the series is to provide increased domestic competitive opportunities for the nation’s emerging paratriathletes.
Paratriathlon Development Series
Paratriathlon Sport Classes
All paratriathletes must compete within their USAT-approved sport class. There are nine sport classes in paratriathlon that compete in six medal events. PTWC1 and PTWC2 classes compete in the PTWC Medal Event. All the ambulant classes, PTS2-PTS5, compete in their own Medal Events. PTVI1, PTVI2 and PTVI3 compete into the PTVI Medal Event.
PTWC1
Most impaired wheelchair users. Athletes must use a recumbent handcycle on the bike course and a racing wheelchair on the run segment; Includes athletes with comparable activity limitation and an impairment of, but not limited to: muscle power, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis.
Competes in PTWC Medal Event.
PTWC2
Least impaired wheelchair users. Athletes must use a recumbent handcycle on the bike course and a racing wheelchair on the run segment; Includes athletes with comparable activity limitation and an impairment of, but not limited to: muscle power, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis.
Competes in PTWC Medal Event.
PTS2
Severe impairments. In both bike and run segments, amputee athletes may use approved prosthesis or other supportive devices. Includes athletes with comparable activity limitation and an impairment of, but not limited to, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia and or athetosis, impaired muscle power or range of movement.
Competes in PTS2 Medal Event.
PTS3
Significant impairments. In both bike and run segments, amputee athletes may use approved prosthesis or other supportive devices. Includes athletes with comparable activity limitation and an impairment of, but not limited to, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia and or athetosis, impaired muscle power or range of movement.
Competes in PTS3 Medal Event.
PTS4
Moderate impairments. In both bike and run segments, amputee athletes may use approved prosthesis or other supportive devices. Includes athletes with comparable activity limitation and an impairment of, but not limited to, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia and or athetosis, impaired muscle power or range of movement.
Competes in PTS4 Medal Event.
PTS5
Mild impairments. In both bike and run segments, amputee athletes may use approved prosthesis or other supportive devices. Includes athletes with comparable activity limitation and an impairment of, but not limited to, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia and or athetosis, impaired muscle power or range of movement.
Competes in PTS5 Medal Event.
PTV1
Includes athletes who are totally blind, from no light perception in either eye, to some light perception. One guide is mandatory throughout the race. Must ride a tandem during the bike segment. A guide from the same nationality and gender is mandatory throughout the race. Must ride a tandem during the bike segment.
Competes in PTVI Medal Event.
PTVI2
Includes athletes who are more severe partially sighted athletes. One guide is mandatory throughout the race. Must ride a tandem during the bike segment. A guide from the same nationality and gender is mandatory throughout the race. Must ride a tandem during the bike segment.
Competes in PTVI Medal Event.
PTVI3
Includes athletes who are less severe partially sighted athletes. One guide is mandatory throughout the race. Must ride a tandem during the bike segment. A guide from the same nationality and gender is mandatory throughout the race. Must ride a tandem during the bike segment.
Competes in PTVI Medal Event.
ATD1 (Adaptive Triathlon Division 1)
ATD1 (Adaptive Triathlon Division 1) athletes are paratriathletes who are not yet (or unable to be) classified. ATD1 athletes are welcome to race at the USAT Para Development Series events and at Paratriathlon National Championships in the ATD1 category (no qualification required). ATD1 athletes should register for the ATD1 category that best fits: ATD1 Wheelchair, ATD1 Ambulatory, or ATD1 VI.
Additional Information
2024 Paratriathlon National Championships
Paratriathlon National Championship Division
The athlete must choose between option A or B, below, in order to be eligible to compete in the National Championship division: