Clinton Devon Estates team set for The Nello

A team of 10 from Clinton Devon Estates will clock up a combined total of 820 miles to raise money for FORCE when they get on their bikes for The Nello 2017 on Sunday June 25.

John Varley, Estates Director and one of the team taking part, said: “Cancer affects so many people within the community and riding The Nello bike challenge is a great way of supporting this excellent local charity.

“We already have a number of keen cyclists among the Clinton Devon Estates staff, so this is the perfect opportunity for them to get together as a team to raise as much money as we can.”

The team has set themselves a fundraising target of £1,500 and has set up an online fundraising page.

Still time to enter

So far nearly 1,200 cyclists have signed up for this year’s ride and there’s still time to get your entry in for one of the most popular events on the local cycling calendar.

It costs £35 to enter at http://www.active.com/exeter-devon/cycling/races/the-nello-2017

If the entry limit of 1,500 isn’t reached, you can enter on the day for £50 but it’s always better to book early to avoid disappointment.

Whether you’re up for the challenge of a 100-mile ride or the 55-mile route, you’ll get plenty of support before, during and after the event – plus an enormous sense of achievement.

It’s not a race, it’s not timed and there’s great camaraderie among riders of all abilities with plenty of encouragement from your fellow cyclists and the team of FORCE volunteers.

There’s a free breakfast before you set off from Topsham Rugby Club, ample refreshment along both routes, mechanical support from Bike Shed and post event massage therapy from Exeter Physio back at the rugby club.

Special anniversary

The Nello is FORCE’s single biggest fundraising event and this year marks the 20^th anniversary of its origins.

In 1997 restaurateur Nello Ghezzo and local food writer Marc Millon cycled from Topsham to Venice to raise money for FORCE.

When Nello died from cancer in 1999, Marc pledged to set up a ride in his good friend’s memory and The Nello was born.

The first ride in 2000 attracted around 90 cyclists. The chosen route was a favourite of Marc and Nello when they were training for their Venice expedition.

Marc and wife, Kim, have ridden every year since and will again lead off the field on their tandem on June 25.