Para-alpine skiing – standing vs. sitting category! Which one is faster?
The top speed in the sitting category of para-alpine skiing is 115 km/h whereas athletes in the standing category can reach speeds up to 125 km/h! 12 Dec 2014Standing athletes use the same equipment as able-bodied athletes. Depending on their physical impairment they may use either one or two skis and none, one or two ski poles. Some athletes may use outriggers instead of poles to aid balance.
Outriggers are special forearm crutches that feature small skis on the end. They are used by athletes with a lower-limb impairment. Like ski poles, the outriggers are adjustable in height. Additionally, the athletes can adjust the position of the bottom ski to their specific needs with the help of a wire rope.
Altogether, para-alpine skiing competitions are organised in three categories: standing, sitting and visually impaired.
Para-alpine skiing is open to male and female athletes who have a physical or visual impairment.
IPC Alpine Skiing acts as the International Federation for the sport which is co-ordinated by the IPC Alpine Skiing and Para-snowboard Sport Technical Committee.
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