I'm taking on an epic cycling challenge: Le Loop.
Having just turned 50, I have decided to mark the milestone by taking on Le Loop again. Le Loop follows the official route of the Tour de France, one week ahead of the professionals and finishes 21 stages later in Paris, some 3,408kms later on Sunday 16th July.
As you may remember I attempted this challenge last year, but after 8 stages, Covid robbed me of the chance to complete the full route. I am more determined that ever to succeed, and your support will help motivate me during round a particularly tough route.
All monies raised go towards the William Wates Memorial Trust whose mission is to help the most disadvantaged young people keep away from a life of crime and violence and fulfil their potential. This is achieved by giving grants to charities that engage young people through the medium of sports, arts and education.
It's been a tough couple of years for charities and particularly for young people. This is my chance to give something back and help support young people who aren't lucky enough to enjoy the advantages in life that most of us take for granted.
Le Loop is no small undertaking. Riding even ONE stage of the Tour de France route is going to hurt! Please reward my pain by giving generously. I have paid all of the costs of the trip so every penny raised will go directly to the charity.
Merci!
My Updates

Challenge Complete
Tuesday 18th Jul

To the start line
Thursday 22nd Jun This year the Tour de France starts in Bilbao, and I'll be starting my journey there in just a few hours time. This year, more than ever, I am nervous about what my journey may bring. My attempt last year did not go to plan when I went down with Covid after just 8 stages, so this year I am determined to succeed despite a very hilly route (understatement).
Out of the Tour
Sunday 3rd Jul This morning I have unfortunately test positive for Covid which means that my tour is over.
Live Tracking
Thursday 23rd Jun My challenge officially starts tomorrow. Through the wonders of modern technology you can track my progress each day. Whilst I'm riding Live updates' should be available at;Thank you to my Sponsors

£3k
Sqlutions Company Donation

£478.74
Anonymous

£100
Ntt Data Business Solutions
Good Luck Andy from everybody at the NTT Data Business Solutions

£100
Andrew Hayton

£62.91
Andy Hayton

£54
Colin Billing
Best of luck. Complete madness and a second time.

£54
Andy Mayer
Good Luck Bessy - Ride long & peddle strong. A&J

£54
Andy & Jo
Bessy - best of luck on your gentle peddle around France. Keep drinking the beetroot juice!

£54
Ian Mckinnon

£50
Kelly And Kate Miler
Congrats, Andy! Kate and I are so proud of you. Hoping to ride with you in 2025!

£32.40
Jeremy & Janice

£27
Tzg
Best of luck Sq

£27
Malcolm Corrigan
good luck! amazing ride so far!

£27
Andrew Burley
Don't forget the vaseline !!!

£27
Richard
Good luck Andy, may your bike have wings!

£27
Gareth Williams
Good luck. Hopefully one day we will get to ride together

£27
Jaime Wood
Amazing effort!!

£27
Isotopes
Chapeau fella

£27
Lamby
Good luck Sq! You can do it….💪

£25
William Larkin - Vitxcycle
What an achievement and for such a great cause. Well done Andrew.

£21.60
Anthony Franklin
Legend!

£21.60
Joe Fernley
Awesome. Well done Andrew

£21.60
Ian & Helen
Good Luck SQ. Let’s hope your Wordle stats don’t suffer!!

£21.60
Kelly Goodridge
Amazing , you should be proud of yourself 👏🏻

£20
Dawn
Good luck Andy, see you in Paris x

£20
Matt Tipton

£20
Martin
Good luck mate

£15
Alan
Well done Andy.

£13.56
Andy Hayton

£10.80
Joe Mcconnell
Well done, Andy - anything for a break from the kids eh?

£10.80
Steve G Art
Good luck!

£10.80
Chris M (art)
Good luck Andy. Fantastic cause, and fantastic ride.

£10.80
Jamie M (art)
All the best Andy!

£10.80
Mike H Art
Awesome effort!

£10.80
Jason Byles
Keep it up. Amazing challenge and extremely worthy cause

£10.80
Kev T (art)
Good luck on your epic challenge

£10
Chris Mason
Well done SQ, v. impresive..

£5
Mike
Good luck, Mike H, ART