This year, to mark the 60th anniversary of Tom Simpson’s World Championship win, we’re expanding our annual Simpson Retro Ride into a full eight-day celebration – the Tom Simpson Cycling Festival, running from Sunday 7th to Sunday 14th September.
This includes a multi-distance sportive, a programme of community events, and an even bigger and better Retro weekend. Click on the links below to find out more and get involved.
Sunday 7th September
Simpson Gran Fondo
Ride the roads Tom trained on in this friendly and scenic sportive
Three route options: 94km, 202km & world championships length 253km
Quiet roads across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire & South Yorkshire
Event Photography, Feed Zones and Chip Timing
Finishers Medal and a supportive, welcoming atmosphere
Monday 8th - Thursday 11th September
Community Events
A week of free events to celebrate the life and legacy of Tom Simpson - open to all and rooted in local pride
Tuesday – "The life of Tom Simpson"
Author and Tom’s nephew Chris Sidwells presents a community evening at the Town Hall
Thursday – Tom Simpson Museum Reopening
Freshly refurbished and with new exhibits, opened by family members and teammates
School visits
Chris will tour local primary schools, sharing how a miner’s son from the town became champion of the world
Friday 12th - Sunday 14th September
Simpson Retro
A full weekend of retro cycling themed fun - bikes, stories, racing, and good food, all in celebration of Tom.
Friday
Live Cycling Legends Podcast recording with Joanne Simpson, three-course dinner, guest speaker, and social evening
Saturday
Cycle market, tribute ride, talks, films, retro bike and equipment display, junior grass track racing & more
Sunday
The Simpson Retro Ride and best in show competition on classic local routes
the Tom Simpson Cycling Festival
7th - 14th September 2025
Harworth, Nottinghamshire, DN11 8JN
Event Sponsors
Interested in sponsoring the Tom Simpson Cycling Festival? Get in touch via our contact form or email team@cyclinglegends.co.uk
