2026 Para-cycling Symposium - September 2, 2026
As the Paralympic movement continues to grow and elite competition expands, Para-cycling is evolving rapidly, bringing new opportunities alongside new challenges. From athlete identification and development to advances in technology and training methods, the sport is navigating a changing landscape that calls for shared learning, collaboration, and accessible education opportunities.
The 2026 Para-cycling Symposium, held in alignment with the UCI Para-cycling World Championships, creates a space for athletes, students, coaches, practitioners, researchers, and sport professionals to come together and learn from one another. Sessions will explore topics such as emerging training methodologies, athlete classification, performance testing for para-athletes, current technologies and equipment, and the community infrastructure needed to successfully host Para-cycling events. Hosted by Ability Sport Network and Department of Kinesiology at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, the symposium is designed to bridge expertise and innovation to help shape the future of Para-cycling together.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN UNTIL AUGUST 31, 2026
Schedule
Location: Student Services Building, Room 112
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Registration and Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.: Welcome (Dr. Donald J. Leo, UAH President, and Dr. David Kyle & Dr. Ryan Conners, UAH & Ability Sport Network)
9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Bob Lujano, Paralympian, NCHPAD, Author of "No Arms, No Legs, No Problem: When Life Happens, You Can Wish to Die Or Choose to Live."
10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.: "Barriers and Facilitators for Para Sport Participation," Dr. Robin Hardin and Dr. Josh Pate, University of Tennessee Sport Management
10:45 a.m. - 10:55 a.m.: Coffee Break
10:55 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.: "Classification - the Foundation of Para Sport: a National and International Perspective on Para Cycling," Dr. Matt McLaughlin, Chief Classifier, 2026 UCI Para Cycling Road World Championships
11:40 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.: UCI Para Cycling Athlete Panel (Tristan Bangma (MB) from the Netherlands and Suzanna Tangen (WH4) from Norway)
12:25 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.: Lunch
1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.: Dr. Jeffrey Martin, Author of "Handbook of Disability Sport and Exercise Psychology"
2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Erin Koshut, Executive Director, Cummings Research Park and (tentatively) Todd Fraser, Para Cycling Manager at the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)
3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.: Coffee Break
3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Brandon Kane, Associate Director of Sports Performance, Lakeshore Sports Science and Performance Center, Lakeshore Foundation
4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.: Closing Session
Speakers
Sponsor Exhibitors
