We are taking on an epic cycling challenge: Le Loop.
In July 2025, friends and Holiday Extras colleagues Ian Copley, Simon Hagger and Matt Paxton will be taking on the 2025 Tour de France route, riding the exact route taken on by the pros, a week in advance of the main Tour, otherwise known as 'Le Loop'.
Ian and Simon will be cycling the ‘Grand Depart’ covering 575 kilometres between Lille and Dunkerque, and Matt will be cycling the full three week Tour de France route, a total distance of 3,350 kilometres and 170,000 feet of elevation. To put that into context it is equivalent to cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats......and back again.......whilst at the same time going up Mount Everest six times!!
We will be raising money for the William Wates Memorial Trust. Since William's death during his gap year in Central America in 1996, his family have been striving to make a difference in his name. The William Wates Memorial Trust achieves this by identifying charities to which it can award grants, and invest in their vision to help the most disadvantaged, vulnerable young people keep away from a life of crime and violence, and fulfil their potential.
This will be a super tough challenge, involving months of training to fit in the hours and hours needed in the saddle to prepare for such long distances and elevations day after day. We will be funding all aspects of the trip ourselves, covering all travel, accommodation, food, drink, inner tubes, chamois cream, energy gels.… etc, etc! This means 100% of donations made will go directly to the William Wates Memorial Trust.
We would really appreciate your help and support in taking on this challenge, and contributing to an excellent cause.
With thanks
Matt, Simon & Ian
