The Tommy Godwin Challenge sportive was set up in 2013 to honour the memory of 1948 Olympic cycling medallist Tommy Godwin.  The event is run entirely by volunteers  and profits go to fund the West Midlands Marie Curie Hospice in Solihull where Tommy spent his last few days. So far we have raised over £60,000.

Tommy enjoyed cycling in the Warwickshire lanes and in later years was always keen to encourage other cyclists, either established stars or total newcomers. With this event we aim to replicate Tommy’s experience of enjoying the countryside on our doorstep and his vision of encouraging young riders and other starting out on their cycling journeys.

There are three routes, 30, 70 and 100km.  There is chip timing and refreshment stops for the 70km and 100km while the The 30km ride is for families and the less experienced cyclists. The routes are all well signed and there are GPX files and route instructions that you can download.

As always there will be medals for all finishers, mechanical support, first aid and we will be offering post ride refreshments,
 photos and sports therapy all free.

https://www.riderhq.com/events/75964/tommy-godwin-challenge/enter

Info for Riders

There are three routes, 30, 70 and 100km. The 30km ride is for families and the less experienced cyclists. The more challenging 100km sportive route and the intermediate 70km sportive route both have a refreshment stop and timing. The well-signed routes wend their way through the Warwickshire lanes, with the 100km sportive making a brief foray into Worcestershire via Feckenham.  There are a couple of fords en route for the adventurous, but don't worry there are alternative paths! With only a couple of climbs, it's the ideal end of season event both for the experienced rider and those looking for their first sportive after a summer of training.  

There are several National Trust properties on the routes, which are well worth exploring. All the routes turn right opposite Baddesely Clinton, a moated manor house. After the 30km route turns off, it passes through the grounds of Packwood House, a much-restored Tudor house, park and garden with notable topiary while the 100km sportive route skirts Coughton Court, an imposing Tudor house set in beautiful gardens with a collection of Catholic treasures and links to the Gunpowder plot. 

All routes start and finish at the Marie Curie Hospice, Marsh Lane, Solihull, B91 2PQ. There is ample free parking nearby. There are toilets and a cafe in the hospice. Before the start refreshments will be available in the hospice and free coffee, tea and cake will be provided at the end, although donations are always welcome. 

Mechanical support and first aid will be available at the start and finish and sports therapy at the finish. There will be a refreshment stop, and toilets, at Great Alne Village Hall approximately halfway round the 100km route and a refreshment stop at Snitterfield on the 70km route.

Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult and anyone under 18 must have a signed parental consent form.

**On line entry closes at midday on 19 September. Entry on the day will be available, subject to space, but at a higher cost**