Paralympic cycling question

In the races where the cyclists are visually impaired or blind they have a pilot. The one getting all the recognition is sat peddling behind with the pilot steering. Does the pilot contribute to the transmission of force to the back wheel.or is it solely down to the blind competitor? If they both contribute, why aren't they recognised equally or why dont they get someone like Mark Cavendish piloting?

 

I wondered the same. But you would think they have to contribute to the overall power otherwise the visually impaired rider would have to be super human to race round with the additional bodyweight.

 

They're all in the same position though, there aren't any that dont have a pilot. Maybe it could just be a slower race. If.not, surely the pilot should get the same recognition. However that would then be a pairs race. Wish they'd explain it on the TV coverage.

 

Cycling pilots have been getting medal for ages, in fact, they were the only assistants that did. Since 2012, guides in running and sighted keepers on football get medals too.

 

They couldn't not have a pilot for a road race!

 

I know they get a medal. That wasn't really my question.

 

I thought that’s what you meant, I do apologise. Oh well, someone else may have found the information interesting.

 

The question initially was does the pilot contribute any power which then led to the other question as to why isn't it for instance "Hall and Oates in the pairs," rather than just "Hall" as the visually impaired cyclist. In the running events, the guide is simply a guide who doesn't contribute to the overall speed so I get why they don't get much.of the credit.

 

ok