MORE than 1,000 cyclists will be riding the lanes around Crediton in one of Devon’s most popular charity events of the year today, Sunday, June 29.

Motorists are advised to take care and expect some possible delays.

Devon County Council says motorists should take care and expect some possible delays.
Devon County Council says motorists should take care and expect some possible delays. (DCC)

The Nello has been held on the final Sunday of June each year, ever since it was established in memory of Topsham restaurateur Nello Ghezzo in 2000.

It raises a huge amount for FORCE Cancer Charity, the money going towards supporting people across Devon dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

The event will start and finish at Topsham Rugby Club, the cyclists tackling 100 or 60 miles around the Devon countryside – the longer route also takes in part of Somerset.

The ride heads to Tiverton via Poltimore and Ellerhayes, joining the A396 at the Ruffwell Inn.

There’s a refreshment stop at Tiverton Rugby Club, where the routes splits.

Cyclists on the 100 mile ride move on to Dulverton via Exebridge, then up on to Exmoor via the B3223, refreshments at Comers Gate and on through Simonsbath to South Molton.

There’s a food stop at Quince Honey Farm on the edge of South Molton and the course then takes riders to Morchard Road via the B3226 and A377.

The 60-milers leave Tiverton via Long Drag and pedal across country through Withleigh, Nomansland, Black Dog, Brownstone and Morchard Bishop.

The routes converge at Morchard Road where there’s the chance for a final boost of energy from a wide selection of food and drink before the final stretch to the finish back at Topsham.

Cyclists stopped for refreshments at Morchard Road last year and will do so again today.
Cyclists stopped for refreshments at Morchard Road last year and will do so again today. (FORCE Cancer Care)

The ride avoids the centre of Crediton, turning off the A377 at Barnstaple Cross and along Higher Road before taking the lanes around Shobrooke, Efford and Shute, re-joining the A377 near Cowley Bridge and returning through Exeter.

On Jockey Hill in Crediton in 2024, cyclists taking part in the Nello. AQ 6582
On Jockey Hill in Crediton in 2024, cyclists taking part in the Nello. AQ 6582 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The event starts at 8am and finishes by 6pm. The cyclists are clear of the Exeter area by around 9am and most return between midday and 4pm.

Since the first Nello Century Cycle Challenge in 2000, the ride has raised around £1.4m for FORCE, making a significant difference to the lives of local cancer patients and their families.

This year FORCE events organiser Chloe Richardson said she’d love to reach the magic £1.5 million raised.

Bike Shed, which has stores in Exeter city centre, Sowton, Crediton and Barnstaple, provide sponsorship and all the technical support that make the event possible.