Silverstone 9up TTT returns and this year they're aiming for 60 teams

This Sunday - tomorrow even - sees the Stage 2 team time trial of the Giro d’Italia on the island of Ischia, with 23 teams competing – Bicester Millennium Cycling Club (BMCC) is hoping for more than twice that number, however, when its 9-Up Time Trial returns to the Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit in Northamptonshire this summer.

The invitational event, which made is debut last year, will be held on the evening of Friday 19 July and BMCC reckons this year’s edition, sponsored by Trek, may be the largest team time trial ever held.

Last year, 39 teams took part – this time round, BMCC is hoping for 60, which would mean 540 riders setting off at one-minute intervals to complete three laps of the Grand Prix Circuit for a total distance of around 11 miles.

Racing will start at 7pm and spectators are more than welcome. Teams themselves will have a pit garage to prepare for event, and BMCC will provide marshalling and timing.

Local charities as well as Help for Heroes stand to benefit from the charity event, which will feature riders representing pro and semi-pro teams, clubs, and the armed forces. If your club would like to be considered for an invitation, email Silverstone [at] bmcc2000.com for further information.