Harworth and Bircotes prepare to welcome the Tour de Yorkshire

The eyes of the world will focus on Harworth and Bircotes in April as both towns briefly welcomes the Tour de Yorkshire.

Millions of people will watch on TV as some of the elite cyclists of our generation pass through Harworth and Bircotes on April 30 as they compete in the men’s and women’s race.

Tour organisers were keen to visit Nottinghamshire this year as a tribute to 1960s cycling legend Tommy Simpson who tragically lost his life during the Tour de France in July 1967. Tommy Simpson had grown up in Harworth, joining Harworth and District Cycling Club as a teenager and went on to become one of the UK’s most decorated cyclists before his sudden death.

Councillor Simon Greaves, leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “We are delighted that the Tour de Yorkshire is coming to North Nottinghamshire in recognition of one of Britain’s first cycling superstars, Tommy Simpson.

“On behalf of the district of Bassetlaw we look forward to welcoming the Tour and watching world class cyclists in action.”

June Evans, chairman of Harworth and Bircotes Town Council, which is organising the community celebrations, said: “The profile of our town will be raised, so residents, neighbours, groups and business will be working hard in the run-up to the race to prepare for this superb event.”

Both races will enter Bassetlaw, the northern most district of Nottinghamshire, and enter Harworth and Bircotes along Tickhill Road, and travel through Scrooby Road, before leaving the town via the A614 to Doncaster. Both the men’s and the women’s race will go past the Tommy Simpson memorial stone in Scrooby Road.

The women’s race is due to enter the town at 11.28am with the men’s race due to enter the town at 4.57pm.

To find out more on timings visit letour.yorkshire.com/timings.