Dear International Paralympic Committee (IPC) & Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI),

I am writing to you as Michelle Knappmann, an unclassified H5 handcyclist. My journey in handcycling began after sustaining an injury in 2022, which resulted in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). This condition has left me with significantly reduced muscle power in my left leg—a fact supported by clinical testing. Despite this impairment, the current classification system does not adequately account for such nuances, leaving me excluded from the H5 class.

While I understand the necessity of classification rules to ensure fair competition, I believe the existing criteria for the H5 class are overly restrictive. In the H5 class, leg power is not a primary determinant of performance, and the minimal strength I retain in my legs does not confer any competitive advantage. If anything, it presents a disadvantage, as I must contend with additional weight.

The H5 class is already small, with only five women currently listed on the world rankings—excluding myself. By revisiting and potentially broadening the classification criteria, the IPC and UCI could foster greater inclusivity and competition within the class. This would not only benefit athletes like me but also enrich the sport by expanding the field of competitors.

I respectfully urge the IPC and UCI to consider the following:

• Reevaluating the classification process to better accommodate athletes with conditions like FBSS, where impairments may not fit neatly into existing categories.
  
  
• Engaging with athletes to gather firsthand insights into how the rules impact their participation and performance.
  Exploring flexible criteria that balance fairness with inclusivity, ensuring that the spirit of paracycling—accessibility and opportunity—remains central.
  
  
• I am more than willing to provide further details, participate in discussions, or collaborate on potential solutions. My goal, like that of the UCI, is to see paracycling thrive as a sport that welcomes and challenges all athletes fairly.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to a more inclusive future for paracycling.

Sincerely,
Michelle Knappmann
handbiking@knappmann.dk