A BRAND new 50 mile cycle race is coming to Exmoor this summer.

The inaugural Stella Farrell Exmoor GP will take place on Sunday, July 24 and is being promoted by Minehead Cycling Club.

The race is named after Minehead resident Stella Farrell who was a prolific racer in the 1940’s & 50’s when women’s racing was in its infancy.

Stella became a multiple national champion and record holder in time trials and on the track and is Minehead Cycling Club's most famed rider.

The race consists of four laps of a hilly circuit starting and finishing at Wheddon Cross, going down to Luckwell Bridge and then a steep climb back up to the top of Church Hill at Exford.

Here the sharp left turn takes the riders downhill for over six miles through Winsford to join the main road with the long drag back up to Wheddon Cross.

This promises to be a stiff challenge for up to 80 riders with separate prize categories ranging from up and coming Juniors to Ladies & Senior Men.

As well as the main race, there will be additional races around the Wheddon Cross Recreation Ground for six to 16 year olds, run by Minehead Merlins under 16’s Cycling Club.

The races are a bonus for Exmoor giving locals a chance to race on their doorstep whilst promoting the area to visiting riders and families, who may not otherwise be familiar with the delights of the National Park.

The strong Minehead race team, Tanks Direct, are expected to be well represented, with Graham Collins likely to be among the favourites.

The races are supported by the local Wheddon Cross business community, Neil Arnold Tyres, Tanks Direct and Exmoor Bikes in Minehead. British Cycling have also been instrumental in ensuring the races can go ahead.

Race Director Briony Turner said “This is an exciting new event being held over some challenging terrain with plenty of support from the local community. I am looking forward to some entertaining racing from all the different categories of riders which we hope will become a permanent fixture that Minehead Cycling Club, the local community and Exmoor National Park can be proud of.”

Minehead Cycling Club will also promote the annual Porlock Hill Climb on Sunday, September 25. This has established itself as a prestige event attracting both male and female national champions and is part of the Devon and Somerset Festival of cycling.

More detailed information about the races and times will be published at a later date or available on the race website www.stellafarrellexmoorgp.co.uk