Simpson Gran Fondo
Sunday 7th September
Harworth, Nottinghamshire, DN11 8JN
Sunday 7th September 2025
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Tom Simpson's world championship win, we're hosting a Sportive - the Simpson Gran Fondo - to mark the life and legacy of one of British cycling’s true legends.
There are three route options: 94km, 202km and a route worthy of a world champion - 253km. Each one explores the quiet, scenic roads of North Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire - many of which were part of Tom’s training ground growing up.
All routes start and finish at Harworth & Bircotes Town Hall (DN11 8JN) and are mostly flat, with just a few punchy climbs to keep things interesting.
Your entry also supports the Tom Simpson Memorial Fund and Simpson Nouvelles U23 Women’s Cycling Team.
This ride is open to anyone on any bike.
What's included?
Exclusive Tom Simpson Cycling Festival Musette - filled with a race brochure full of historical stories, and goodies from our sponsors
Feed Zones (one for 94km, three for 202km, four for 253km) with complimentary food and drink
Chip timing - so your supporters can keep up to date with your progress
Event photography - images without watermark available for purchase after the event
Fully signed route, finishers medal and free parking
Broom wagon and mobile mechanic
Supports the Tom Simpson Memorial Fund and Simpson Nouvelles U23 Women’s Cycling Team
94km length, 294m elevation
The Memorial
A steady Sunday spin with a story.
This route follows much of the classic Tom Simpson Memorial Ride, an early-season staple for British pros and top club riders for decades. Though never a race, it always had a winner — a nod to Simpson’s competitive spirit.
Rolling out through Retford and alongside the River Trent toward Epworth, the route takes in quiet moors, nature reserves, and flowing countryside. The Feed Zone sits right on the waterfront in West Stockwith — a perfect mid-ride pause by the river.
With just 300m of elevation, it’s a relaxed and scenic ride that honours the legend, and the legacy, of Tom Simpson.
9am Start
202.6km length, 984m elevation
The Chain Gang
Inspired by Tom Simpson’s early adventures in the saddle, this route traces his formative roads — and his path to the rainbow jersey in 1965.
It begins on the Great North Road, which young Tom rode daily from Harworth to his job in Retford. It follows his first time trial course, crosses the Trent at Dunham Bridge, and heads into Lincolnshire — echoing the long club rides to Cleethorpes that built his resilience.
The rolling Lincolnshire Wolds, Market Rasen, and Caistor mark key chapters in Tom’s youth, including early victories and hard lessons. The return leg mirrors the rapid chain gang rides that helped sharpen his speed, looping back down the Trent before joining the closing stretch of the Simpson Retro.
7am Start
253.8km length, 1039m elevation
The Champion
Feeling strong?
This is your chance to ride a true world championship distance — as in the 1965 men’s elite road race that Tom Simpson won to claim the rainbow jersey.
The route includes everything from The Chain Gang — the historic roads, club rides, and Simpson milestones — but pushes further with a final finishing circuit that brings the total to 253km.
There’s a cut-off at 180km: if your legs say no, you can roll back along the 200km route. But if you’re still flying, carry on.
Going beyond 250km is where legends are made — it’s the tradition of the Monuments, the World Championships, and the mark of a true champion to win over this distance.
Start 7am, 180km cut-off 3pm
Route maps
See each route, feed zones, and cut off location. All routes are anti-clockwise.
Tom's Victory
Author, journalist, and historian Chris Sidwells explores how Tom Simpson became Britain's first World Road Race Champion in this long read feature on the Cycling Legends website.
Event Sponsors
Interested in sponsoring the Tom Simpson Cycling Festival? Get in touch.
