Ian Bell

I'm taking on an epic cycling challenge: 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 3,400kms later.

Le Loop

Or doom loop? For those of you who are kind enough to read my messages, you may be surprised to be hearing from me just 1 year on. In a moment of misguided over-enthusiasm in the darkest days of winter, I decided to sign up for 2023. The siren of the loop calls out ☹

This year, I am doing the first three stages, known as the Le Grand Depart.  This section is sometimes one of the easier segments – but not this year as it goes through the Picos de Europa in North Spain. That means 440km over three days, and in the first two days alone 4800 meters of climbing. 

Every participant commits to raising a minimum amount for the William Wates Memorial Trust (WWMT). The fundraised money is entirely separate from the participation fee and goes directly to the William Wates Memorial Trust. Their mission is to help the most disadvantaged young people to 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 few years for charities and particularly for young people. This is our chance to help give something back and support those who aren't lucky enough to enjoy advantages in life that many of us take for granted.

Le Loop is no small undertaking. Riding even 1 stage of the Tour de France route is going to hurt! Please reward my pain by giving generously.