Cyclists to get chance to ride round Silverstone this Mayday Bank Holiday

Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell and Lewis Hamilton all won the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, and it’s every petrolhead’s dream to do a few laps there in a Porsche or Ferrari – but on the forthcoming Mayday Bank Holiday weekend, the Northamptonshire venue is calling on cyclists to come and ride their bikes around the famous motor-racing circuit.

The invitation forms part of the venue’s unveiling of its new Grand Prix circuit, which hosts its first event, Silverstone Supercars, over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Cyclists will be welcome to use the track in the evenings throughout the weekend, with the circuit open to riders from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Friday 30 April and Saturday 1 May, and from 6pm to 8.30pm on Sunday 2 May.

Those holding a ticket for the Silverstone Supercars event gets to cycle the circuit for free, while for anyone else, there’s a charge of £5, which can be paid on the day or in advance through the venue’s website.

Children under the age of 15 have to wear a helmet, while “anyone not cycling responsibly will be asked to leave” – so best keep an eye on that array of red lights above the starting grid.

The track, which is owned by the British Racing Drivers’ Club, looked set to lose its right to host the British Formula 1 Grand Prix to Donington last year, but has since been confirmed as the host of the race for the next 17 years after the latter's leaseholders ran into financial problems.