ABOUT EHC
European Handbike Circuit (EHC)
The EHC is a high-level race series held all over Europe and in the Middle East with more than 10.000 participants since 2001.
With an average participation of about 85 athletes in each race the EHC is the largest worldwide handcycle competition series.
More than 1000 disabled and able bodied athletes from 52 nations have already appreciated the high quality events since the beginning.
The EHC is structured by a ranking system based on athletes’ placing as an individual as well as part of a team.
In 2009 the cooperation with UCI started and EHC races became UCI P1 status.
The EHF Committee organised three Handcycling Championships in the past:
- Long Distance Championships at Lausanne (Switzerland) in 2004
- European Handbike Championships at Louny (Czech Republic) in 2006
- World Handcycling Championships at Parabiago (Italy) in 2007
About handcycling
Handbikes are special 3-wheeled cycles with the distinctive feature of being powered only by the strength of the arms. Athletes can kneel, sit or recline on the handbike depending on their choice.
There are many similarities with common road racing bikes using the same gearing, brakes, wheels & other components.
High-tech materials such as aluminium, titanium and carbon fibre are used in construction and design of handbikes.
Athletes are divided into categories depending on their disability level. Nevertheless, able-bodied athletes are encouraged to compete as well.
Important facts about the athletes
Age: 18–67 years for men, 18-60 years for women.
Countries of origin:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Emirates, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Israel, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Marocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Poland, Spain, Slovakia, Switzerland, USA...
