Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.
SONC offers eight different cycling events, offering something for every ability level.*
- 500m Time Trial
- 1k Time Trial
- 2k Time Trial
- 5k Time Trial
- 5k Road Race
- 10k Road Race
- 15k Road Race
- 25k Road Race
- 40k Road Race
*SONC may alter the events offered at any point.
Click here to find your coach certification status
Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.
State-Level Event/Invitational Sport Registration Forms
Click here for a full list of state-level event registration forms.
In order to register for the 500m, 1k, and 2k time trials, an athlete must qualify in the 500m time trial. All other races require the athlete to qualify in the 5k road race.
These events are offered in the following three categories; an athlete may compete in a maximum of three events from one category:
Short Distance: 500m Time Trial, 1k Time Trial, 2k Time Trial
Middle Distance: 1k Time Trial, 2k Time Trial, 5k Time Trial, 5k Road Race
Long Distance: 5k Road Race, 10k Road Race, 15k Road Race, 25k Road Race, 40k Road Race
Invitationals
Athletes and partners also have the opportunity and are encouraged to participate in various local invitationals. Check the cycling sport calendar for upcoming invitationals being hosted by local programs.
Local programs are also encouraged to host and invite neighboring counties to participate in invitationals, scrimmages, or leagues. Click here for some basic steps on how to get started. If you are interested in hosting an invitational you can also contact the sports department at sports@sonc.net.
Tentative Order of Events for State-Level Competition
Friday – Qualifying rounds (500m Time Trial; 5k Road Race)
Saturday
- 2k Time Trial
- 25k Road Race
- 5k Road Race
- 500m Time Trial
- 15k Road Race
Sunday
- 40k Road Race
- 1k Time Trial
- 10k Road Race
- 5k Time Trial
About Cycling: Cycling requires good physical condition, balance, and endurance. Special Olympics include time trial and road race events in different distances.
Differences of Special Olympics Cycling: Two main differences are the honest effort rule which is in place for Time Trials, not road races, and the hands off the handlebars at the finish line. Due to safety concerns, Special Olympics cycling prohibits hands off the handlebars at any time, unlike non-Special Olympics cycling where it is common, accepted and expected for winners to raise both hands after or even before crossing the finish line. Cycling is also limited to Time Trials and road races.
History: Cycling was first offered as an official sport in the 1991 Fall Games, but it is now one of Summer Games’ most popular sports.
By the Numbers:
- In 1990 Mike Pigg, world-champion triathlete, conducted a cycling clinic. This set the foundation for cycling and it quickly became popular throughout the state
Sport Development Teams (SDT) are responsible for assisting with local and state-level programs and competition, educating coaches and officials, and promoting active engagement among athletes throughout the year. Click here for more information.
Bill Cruse – SDT Director
Raleigh
Mark Fontanilla
Charlotte
Certified Clinicians receive additional training in presentational skills to conduct training schools in their community. In order to become a Certified Clinician one must have a Special Olympics North Carolina level 2 sport certification in this sport.
For more information on becoming an SDT member or a Certified Clinician, contact sports@sonc.net.
