Team Sky backs new time trial challenge at Silverstone Circuit for all abilities

The Silverstone Time Trial Challenge will take place on October 2nd 2016, and is supported by a host of famous names and organisations including British Cycling and Team Sky.

Entrants of all abilities can sign up and enjoy the experience of cycling on one of the most famous tracks in the world.

There are various events on offer including the 25 mile Time Trial challenge, aimed at the more ‘hardcore’ cyclists, the gentle and fun Leisure Ride and the Family Lap. British Cycling regard the event as a true ‘race for all’.

David Bourque, director of recreation and partnerships at British Cycling, said: “British Cycling are pleased to be supporting the inaugural Silverstone Time Trial Challenge as it provides a fantastic opportunity for everyone to ride this iconic track.

“British Cycling is keen to encourage people of all abilities to get on a bike for fun and to improve their health and fitness.”

The organisers of the STTC will be offering £10 off registrations for the first 250 British Cycling members that sign up.

Mr Bourque is keen to highlight the benefits of cycling for women. He said: “We will be inviting our British Cycling members and Breeze Champions to challenge themselves against the clock and showcase the opportunities we have for women and girls to get into cycling.”

In addition to the cycling, the event will boast a family friendly event and retail village with; interactive activities, the latest cycling products, companies offering tips and advice and food stalls.

The event and retail village will be located in the famous Silverstone pit lane garages. The event village will help provide spectators, cycling and F1 enthusiasts a fantastic day out and is free to enter for people attending with a registered STTC cyclist.

The cyclists will raise funds for the charity Operation Smile which provides life changing surgery for children around the world that are born with cleft lip and cleft palate.

The Silverstone Time Trial Challenge offers something for everyone whatever their level of cycling, a true ‘race for all’. All the events take place on the iconic Grand Prix circuit and are perfect for those who wish to cycle fast on a track smooth enough to host F1 cars travelling at 200 mph.

The events include:

* 1 Lap Time Trial – Riders will race one 3.6 mile lap of Silverstone challenging themselves against lap times laid down by members of Team Sky.

* 10 Mile Time Trial – The classic test of both speed and endurance held on track offering a thrilling combination of straights and tight bends, against lap times laid down by members of Team Sky.

* 25 Mile Time Trial – Designed to push entrants to the max, against lap times laid down by members of Team Sky.

* Family Lap – Accompanied children aged 5-15 can share in the excitement with the opportunity to ride on the circuit, get active and hang out with some famous faces.

* Leisure Ride – A two hour session for families and friends to ride the course at their own pace and really get to know each and every corner.

Team Sky will be supporting the event with the team of Britain’s most talented professional cyclists laying down times for each of the time trials.

Sir David Brailsford, general manager, Team Sky said: “The huge growth in cycling participation at all levels in the UK has been fantastic to see. One of the consequences of this is that we have more and more cyclists who ride to a really good level.

“The STTC provides a great opportunity for professionals and amateurs to race alongside each other on the iconic Silverstone course. Team Sky are delighted to be involved and to be supporting the fantastic work of Operation Smile.”

All the proceeds of the Silverstone Time Trial Challenge will go the charity, Operation Smile.

Maria Moore, STTC event organiser and Operation Smile Chairperson, said: “We wanted to create an incredible day for cyclists of all abilities and ages to experience cycling at its most exciting, without fear of cars or potholes on one of the most iconic pieces of tarmac in the world.

“As a keen cyclist myself, I am so excited to take part, challenging myself against the very best, all whilst supporting a cause that I am proud to be chairperson of. We hope the day will raise awareness of this incredible charity, and put a smile on our faces as well as those of children around the world that we care for.

“I can’t wait to get on track and cycle Silverstone!”

These sentiments were echoed by the CEO of Operation Smile, Karen Jaques, who added: “We are delighted to be the beneficiaries of such an exciting event which gives all cyclists the opportunity to cycle at such an incredible venue! Operation Smile works around the world to provide life-changing surgery for children born with cleft lip and cleft palate. These children face extraordinary struggles and face daily stigma.

“We hope that the Silverstone Time Trial Challenge will raise £150,000 to support our work around the world to give hundreds of children the smile and lives they deserve. I am incredibly grateful to all the fantastic supporters who are making this event happen – we are so excited about October 2nd!”