The town – once a busy coalmining community – is particularly noteworthy as the home of Tom Simpson (1937–1967), one of Britain's greatest road racing cyclists – World Champion in 1965. Simpson began his cycling career as a club member at Harworth and District Cycling Club. After his death in France, his body was brought back to Nottinghamshire and interred in Harworth's cemetery. A small museum dedicated to Simpson's achievements was opened in August 2001 and can be found in the Harworth and Bircotes sports and social club.