Godwin's daughter, Barbara Ford, described her father as "hard as nails" but also said that he was really "a big softie".

BBC: Tommy Godwin's 'unbreakable' cycling record

Mr Godwin's daughter Barbara Ford said she welcomed any further tributes to her father, who died suddenly in 1975 aged 63 while on a cycle ride.

BBC: Cyclist Tommy Godwin's achievements tweeted

CNN's Barbara Starr, Dana Ford, Larry Shaughnessy and Steve Almasy contributed to this report.

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Laimbeer has immediately put his stamp on the Liberty, signing free agents Katie Smith and Cheryl Ford and hiring assistant coaches Taj McWilliams-Franklin and Barbara Farris.

WSJ: Laimbeer: Liberty will be fun to watch in 2013