The race consists of 3 laps of the Silverstone race circuit (around the same bit that the cars race in F1 - it's a chance to time trial in a car-free environment, on the silkiest smooth tarmac imaginable, riding as a team). Total distance is approximately 11 miles (just over 3 miles per lap). 9 riders start together, with the team's time taken based on the 5th rider over the finish line - so it's important to work together to get to the finish, and look after your team mates - going off the front of your group alone won't get you a medal! In a mixed team, of the 5+ finishing together, 2+ must be of one gender, and 3+ of the other.
Last year our mixed team all managed to stay together as a team of 9 to the end, and got ourselves a bronze medal in the mixed team category
The rules around kit are fairly straightforward, and makes the race a more level playing field - road bike kit only (no pointy helmets, deep section wheels, discs etc).
Talking to a few of you, it sounds like there is definitely interest for a fast mixed team again. It would be great to get another team or 2 signed up as well. Last year it cost approx £30 each to enter (all proceeds going to charity) - I'm not sure what the exact cost will be this year, but it won't be far off that.
If you are keen to take part, please comment below, with whether you would be interested in a faster team or a steadier team - with 45 men's teams, 6 vets teams, 15 mixed teams and 9 women's teams entered in 2016 there is plenty of competition, so it is very much about enjoying taking part in a unique race. It doesn't matter how fast or otherwise you are - I will make sure you are put with riders who are as similar as possible.
Any questions, let me know
Jess
