Giles Corner

Le Loop - supporting the William Wates Memorial Trust

Le Loop follows the official Tour de France route, one week ahead of the professionals. Around 100 riders gather for the Grand Départ, with participants joining at different points across the three-week event — each committing to ride one of several set "Loops."

I'll be riding the Mountains Week — arguably the most spectacular week of the entire 2026 Tour. Setting off from Chalon-sur-Saône on 9th July, I'll cover 7 stages (and one very welcome rest day) through some of the greatest climbs in cycling, finishing atop the iconic Alpe d'Huez on 17th July. That's 1,203km and over 25,000 metres of ascent through the Vosges, Jura and Alps — including the Col du Galibier, Col de la Croix de Fer, and not one but two ascents of Alpe d'Huez on the final day.

Every participant commits to raising a minimum amount for the William Wates Memorial Trust (WWMT). Importantly, this fundraising is entirely separate from the participation fee — your donations do not pay for my ride. Every penny goes directly to the charity, whose mission is to help the most disadvantaged young people stay away from crime and violence and reach their potential — through grants to charities working with young people via sport, arts and education.

It's been a tough few years for charities and for young people especially. This is my chance to give something back and support those who haven't had the advantages in life that most of us take for granted.

Riding even a single stage of the Tour de France route is going to hurt. Seven Alpine stages is going to hurt a lot. Please reward my suffering generously!

Merci! 🙏