At the competitive level, cycling is perhaps one of the toughest sports out there due to the level of physical conditioning necessary to succeed. That is why races such as the Tour de France receive so much attention and acclaim. For amateur cyclists, the Olympics provide a path to competition that allows them the opportunity to test their skills against tough opponents in the context of international cooperation. However, the able-bodied racers who show up every four years to hit the road and the track aren't the only ones hungry to compete for medals. Shortly after the conclusion of the "main" Olympics, the Paralympics begin in the very same arenas. Cycling is one of the more popular sports at the Paralympic Games, and draws athletes with a wide range of physical abilities, from those with limited sight to athletes who use uniquehand-powered bicycles.
As with many of the sports that take place in the Paralympics, the cycling events are a testament to what the human body is