The invention relates to a process for the preparation of an epoxidation catalyst which process involves (a) drying a silica gel carrier having a weight average particle size of from 0.1 mm to 2 mm at a temperature of from more than 200° C. to 300° C., and (b) contacting the carrier obtained in step (a) with a gas stream containing titanium halide to obtain an impregnated carrier, and the use of such catalyst in the preparation of alkylene oxide.