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

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

It raises a huge amount for FORCE Cancer Charity, which supports people across the county dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

The big day for 2025 is Sunday, June 29. Cyclists will tackle 100 or 60 miles around the Devon countryside, with the longer route also taking in part of Somerset.

The ride starts at Topsham Rugby Club and 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 split.

Cyclists on the 100-mile ride move on to Dulverton via Exebridge, then up on to Exmoor via the B3223, with 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.

The ride avoids the centre of Crediton, taking the lanes around Shobrooke, Efford and Shute, re-joining the A377 near Cowley Bridge and returns through Exeter.

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.

It is not a sportive – there’s no chip timing and the riders aren’t racing, but taking part to support the work of a charity that helps thousands of people every year, and survives only on fundraising and voluntary donations.

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

FORCE events organiser Chloe Richardson said: “We’d love to reach the magic £1.5 million mark this year and we’re encouraging our amazing cyclists to make every pedal count by getting sponsorship if they can.

“It could mean hundreds more counselling appointments or complementary therapy sessions, additional support groups, more wig-fitting sessions, extra physio and exercise guidance, increased services at our outreach locations in Ottery St Mary, Okehampton and Tiverton.”

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

Their expert crews will be at Topsham for pre-ride checks and out on the course to support cyclists throughout the ride.

“There’s always a fantastic atmosphere and we’re inviting everyone to come along and celebrate this special event with our cyclists, their friends and families,” said Chloe.

The Nello, founded by Topsham food and wine writer Marc Millon, has grown from attracting a field of 90 cyclists in its first year to regularly nearing capacity.

There’s still time to sign up. To secure your place, visit: forcecancercharity.co.uk/nello.