Cycling the 2023 Tour de France...
The title is not 'clickbait' - I really am cycling the 2023 Tour de France route....
What am I doing?
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.
Riders tackle one of a selection of "Loops" riding anything from 2, to all 21 stages of the Tour de France route.
Maybe my mouse slipped, maybe I was in an overly confident mood, maybe you never know what you can truly achieve until you try - whatever the reason I am attempting to ride all 21 stages and 3,400km.
Why am I doing this?
There is a personal challenge aspect - how can I achieve something that, on the face of it, seems impossible? Can I be mentally and physically strong? Can I help and support others if needed and be part of a team?
Helping in general is a huge motivator. Every participant in Le Loop commits to raising a minimum amount for the William Wates Memorial Trust (WWMT). WWMT's 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 providing grants and opportunities through sport, 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.
Without doubt, Le Loop is the hardest thing I have ever undertaken or contemplated and so:
- If you are able to make a donation, please do so as generously as you can.
- If you see me at the gym, pop over, have a chat or question my sanity
- If I fall asleep at work because I was training at 4am, give me a nudge please!
Importantly, 100% of all donations go to WWMT - the participation fee is paid directly by myself and completely separate to donations.
All donations no matter what size contribute to the fantastic work WWMT do, so thank you in advance for your support.
Merci!
Thank you to my Sponsors
£1,000
Alex Probyn
£515
Jason C
Best of luck Andy, that's a serious challenge and a great cause
£515
Tim, Jason And Cambridge Team
Great Charity and Fantastic challenge, Andy. Very best of luck from Tim, Jason and the Cambridge team.
£108
Sarah Allan
All the best Andy- what a fabulous goal and trust to support as part of your efforts.
£108
Steve Richmond
Is your laptop going to fit in your shopping basket on the front of your bike ?
£108
Liam Griffin
If nothing else, enjoy. Good luck.
£108
Monica Griffin
Take care and come back in one piece.
£108
Dean Bosley
You have seen stages 13-15 & 17, it would take me 21 days just to do them! Good luck friend, incredible adventure ahead of you, plus you get to visit San Sebastián 🚴♂️
£108
Mark Richardson
£100
Mark Walker
OMG, Andy, what an amazing challenge and, hopefully, an experience you will remember forever. All the best of luck. Mark
£100
Faye Welsby
What a fantastic challenge, and for a cause that too often gets overlooked. Good luck and sure the last 12 months will help with the mental challenge, the rest should be a breeze ;D
£100
Darren Woods
Incredible challenge, incredible achievement Andy
£100
Nick Wright
Very well done - what an achievement !!
£100
Harrison & Jude
Go Daddy - You are amazing and we love you. Ride your bike fast!! XXX
£81
Tony Taylor
A great effort Griff, all the very best, enjoy the ride.
£75
William Taylor
Good luck Andy - I still can't believe you said 'All of them!' when I asked what stages you were doing. An epic challenge!
£54
Blackie
Try to keep up with the pace I know U have history of missing deadlines. Good luck and U R completely bongers.
£54
Jane And Simon Relf
Wow Griff, Simon and I are in awe of your achievement. I bet Cyclone is a breeze now :)
£54
Anthony Griffin
£54
Sas
An immense challenge and a great cause. Good luck FTP!
£54
Gart Knight
Good Luck, Andy. Inspirational Stuff!
£54
Gordon Harris
Good luck Griff and please don't fall off. Go well flash
£54
C T.
Good luck roomy , take care and see in October . CT
£54
Gordon Chetwood
£50
Philip Emerick
Good luck to Andy Griffin, it's a long way uphill!
£50
David Burn
Good luck! Great cause.
£50
Ria
Amazing effort, well done!
£50
Nick P
£50
Nigel
Good luck 👍
£32.40
Richard Storr
Best of luck Andy! Don't forget to enjoy the views at the summits to those epic climbs, you're not in a rush to get back down.
£30
Gino
all the very best Andy, incredible challenge for a great cause!
£27
Steve Plowman
You must be mad, but it is a great cause. Good luck
£27
Neet
Hope you raise as much as possible for this wonderful quest, Andy. There's no time Toulouse!!
£27
Andrew Penza
Good luck FTP 👏✊🏼👏👊🏻👏✊🏼👏👊🏻
£27
Brian “snail” Waltham
Griff… Absolutely awesome challenge and for such a worthy cause. I know you have the courage and mindset to complete it but I totally admire you for what you will put yourself through. Best of luck, bud 👍
£27
Alison Doyle
Big luck Andy!!
£27
Julie Coates
Fabulous Andy...go for it! Not likely to see you in the gym, but will definitely give you a wake up call at work! :)
£27
Oliver Hamblin
What an achievement, Andy! Best of luck
£25
Ben Porter
Best of luck Andy, what a feat.
£25
Pete Waterman
Just keep pedalling. Try and focus on how fit you will be for golf tour. Serious respect for signing up to the challenge.
£25
Frederic Bouvard
This is a huge challenge! Wish you to be successful !
£25
Allen Jones
Good luck Andy
£25
Mark Jackson
Good luck Andy, I’m sure you smash it.
£25
Ben Williams
Best of luck Griff. Those squash matches will stand you in good stead!
£25
Ojo
Unreal work for a great cause FTP 🫡 ⛰️
£21.60
Guy Fowke
Best of luck!
£21.60
Daniel Garner
Best of Luck !!
£21
Lewis Slater
Best of Luck Andy go and smash it!
£21
Rachel Mann
Amazing challenge and an amazing cause. We'll be willing you on every pedal push of the way! Best of luck Andy x
£20
Jacqueline Aronwich
Good Luck Andy!!!
£20
Kelly Dyke
£20
Nicola Mcandrew
Good luck FTP xx
£10.80
Justin Saunders
Great cause, bonkers challenge, good luck Andy
£10.80
George Lomax
£10.80
Michelle Woodward
Well done Andy, wonderful charity
£10.80
Anonymous
Good Luck Andy
£10
Rachel Chris
Good luck Griff I know you’ve got this 💪🏻 Rach Chris & kids
Wow - all 21 Stages of Le Tour! What an amazing challenge on behalf of WWMT. GOOD LUCK! Alex and your Altus Group colleagues.