I'm taking on an epic cycling challenge: Le Loop, over 3400kms of cycling around France.
On Saturday 24th June 2023 I will be in Bilbao setting off on the first of 21 stages of the Tour de France route - Le Loop!
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 3,400km later.
I will be riding the full route along with approximately 100 other riders some doing all 21 stages and some joining us for just parts of the route. For me it will be an epic challenge and it has already given me a number of sleepless nights wondering if I have what it takes to ride this sort of distance with so many challenging climbs. I've never been a fast cyclist or good at riding the mountains but to ride the Tour de France is a dream and if I don't try then I'll never know. So if you choose to sponsor me you will be giving me an extra reason for not giving up and to keep on pedalling. I'll be thinking of you all when I'm struggling up a 40Km climb, suffering and questioning why I signed up for this!
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 - donations do not pay for my Tour.
All monies raised go directly to 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.
The WWMT has helped a charity close to home in Milton Keynes - Ride High. This charity transforms the lives of disadvantaged children and those having difficulties in their lives, giving them the opportunity to learn to ride and care for horses. They also support other charities throughout the UK.
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.
Merci!
Thank you to my Sponsors
£315
Alex Bennett
£108
Owen Biggs
All the best
£100
Ormond Family
A massive challenge for a very worthy cause. We’ll be rooting for you along every km and up every climb. Make sure you go steady on the descents………
£100
Keith Wilson-jabbar
Beat of luck mate - hope you smash it!!!
£100
Neil Atkinson
Good Luck
£75
Nigel W
Best of luck with all the training and the ride mate! You will smash it. Looking forward to the Pics!
£54
Shaun Roche
Good luck
£54
Helen Macnaughton
Best of luck Alex! Don’t look up when your in the hills!
£50
Brian Farnham
£30
Bob Atkin
The very best of luck Alex, a monumental achievement when you cross the finish line, which you will.
£30
Bcs Events
Volunteer MK MoRun- thank you for your help!
£27
Kurt Fisher
Great cause - smash it Alex!
£27
Kerry Brookes
£27
Manny Kang
happy cycling :-)
£27
Wing Commander Andrew Higham
Quite a challenge, I am sure you will be fine. Take a puncture repair kit! Good Luck.
£27
Nigel Parker
A noble cause Alex. Good Luck.
£27
Tim Hughes
Good Luck Alex, those hills will hurt
£27
Rachel Oflynn
£27
Anil Patel
All the best Alex.
£27
Max Mccaffrey
Allez Allez Allez!!!
£27
Tess
Fantastic challenge Alex. I know you will do it x
£25
Graham Bennett
Epic ride mate, got to uphold the Bennett name, good luck and all the best.
£25
Craig Chapman
Best of luck Alex - I'm sure you'll smash it!!
£25
Phil Owen
Good luck Mr Bennett……. You’ll be absolutely fine, just push the left pedal then the right then the left then the right then the left. Also, consider fitting some stabilisers.
£25
Simon Lochmuller
All the best Alex
£25
Mk Winter Half Marathon
Best of luck with your challenge, Alex!
£21.60
Chris Peerless
Best of luck Alex. If anyone can do this you can.
£21.60
Peter Felce
Good Luck Alex
£21.60
Anonymous
£20
Lawrence
Good luck Alex, you'll need it!
£20
Stu H
£20
John Steers
£10.80
Matt Bowes
£10.80
Gavin Thomas
I commend you Alex for supporting such a worthy cause in this manner. Hope you dont get too many blisters! Enjoy the moment.
£10.80
Helen Butler-landman
Awesome!! Good luck
£10.80
Anonymous
All the very best Alex
£10.80
Anonymous
Best of luck with your ride, wishing you all the best!
£10
Mike
You’ve got this Alex, you’ll smash it. Enjoy.
£10
Duncan Mccahill
Good luck Alex
£10
Steven Ray
Good luck Alex. Keep going on those climbs.
Sponsoring myself so there is no backing out now!