2,100 miles. 21 stages. 23 days. 10 years older. What could possibly go wrong?
Ten years ago, I took on one of the toughest challenges of my life — riding the full route of the Tour de France.
In 2026… I’ve decided to do it again.
Back then, I was younger, fitter, and recovery didn’t involve making noises every time I stood up. Fast forward 10 years, and things are… different. The legs complain earlier, the climbs feel steeper, and getting out of bed might genuinely be harder than cycling up a mountain.
But that’s exactly why I’m going back.
I’ll be riding with Le Loop, covering approximately 3,400 kilometres (over 2,100 miles) across 21 stages in around 23 days — tackling the same relentless route as the pros. Day after day of long hours in the saddle, brutal climbs, and very little time for the body to recover.
This isn’t just a ride. It’s:
- 8 to 9 hours on the bike, every single day
- Climbing some of the most iconic (and unforgiving) mountains in cycling
- Riding on legs that are already exhausted… then doing it all again the next morning
- Cycling in extreme heat, 38 degrees to relentless rain that will soak me to the bone
- Having multiple “why did I sign up for this again?” moments
And I’m under no illusion — this is going to hurt a lot more than it did 10 years ago.
But here’s the real reason I’m doing it.
I’m riding to raise money for the William Wates Memorial Trust — a charity that helps disadvantaged young people stay away from crime and violence and build a better future.
The trust funds incredible projects across the UK that use sport, education, and the arts to give young people opportunities many of us take for granted — helping them find direction, purpose, and hope.
So when I’m halfway up a mountain, legs gone, lungs burning, questioning all my life choices… I’ll be thinking about that.
Because as tough as this challenge is, it’s temporary.
For many of the young people supported by this charity, the challenges they face are far bigger — and far more important.
Every donation will:
- Help fund life-changing programmes for young people
- Give opportunities where there might otherwise be none
- And, if I’m honest, help drag me up a few more mountains when my body is ready to quit
If you can support me, I’d be incredibly grateful — no matter the amount.
And if you can’t donate, sharing this page would mean a lot.
Let’s see if this slightly older, definitely more stubborn version of me can still make it to Paris.
Thank you for your support 🙏
Thank you to my Sponsors
£600
Inderjit Gill Isg
£265
Jas K
Wow amazing challenge and I KNOW your going to smash it.
£222.60
Bobby And Seema
Indy you are a true inspiration. Wishing you all the best. Take it at your own pace. We got you. Very proud of you Brother.
£213.06
Piush Patel
Indy....What you’re about to do is truly incredible—2,000+ miles in 23 days takes serious heart, discipline, and purpose. You’re not just pushing limits, you’re inspiring everyone around you. Wishing you strength every single mile 👊🚴♂️
£107.06
Harj
Indy, this is equal parts inspiring and completely bonkers — and I mean that with huge respect. Taking on something this brutal again, 10 years later, knowing exactly how much it’s going to hurt, says everything about your mindset. And doing it for such a powerful cause makes it even more meaningful. Wishing you steady legs, kind weather (at least some of the time), and the mental strength to push through those inevitable “what am I doing?” moments. You’ve already proved you can do it — now you just get to prove that stubbornness only gets stronger with age. Good luck, Indy — all the way to Paris 🚴♂️
£101
Ranjit Lallie And Family
All the best, Indy — this is seriously impressive, especially when the legs aren’t quite as forgiving as they used to be. Massive respect for taking this on again, and even more for doing it for such a great cause. So fair play to you for putting yourself through this for something that really matters. I have no doubt you will dig deep and get it done — even when you’re halfway up a mountain questioning all your life choices including your membership of the Blaze Crew and Wolf pack. Good luck, matey and dont wear out too many lycra outfits. And yes… bring me back some champagne 🍾Alan, just don’t drink it before you get back.
£100
Anonymous
£70.20
Lee J
I know you'll do great!
£54.75
Manny Patara
Great effort for a truly worthy cause, best of luck Indy 👍🏼
£27.05
Amanda Baxter
Good luck!!!
£27.05
Caroline Lambert
Indy, you must be mad! Though you'll smash it when it's for such a great charity. All the best for each and every one of the 23 days!
£27.05
Bingz
Good luck Dud, get me a fridge magnet!!!
£25
Danielle Grosso
You are a beast Indy! Can't wait to hear about you crushing this goal!
£25
Roxana
Good luck!
£21.84
Gurbs Dhadwal
Truly inspirational
£20
Nick Jass
All the best lovely !, can’t wait to see you in Lycra again 🤣, smash it bruv 👊
£20
Aisha Ahmad
Good luck, Indy. This is epic and I have no doubt that you'll smash it!! :-)
£20
Nav Rai
£20
Harry Lalli
Good Luck Indy (my sister Gurps Rai shared your page), you're welcome to come ride with us at Panjabi Cycling Club anytime. We're local and would love to hear more about your challenge! Harry Lalli
£16.56
Lauren Melvill
Good luck from us all you met in reflex 😁😁😁
£11.33
Sukie Liely
Good luck Indy - love Sukie
£11.33
Hema Patel
Good luck Indy Go and smash it!
£10
Helen Metcalfe
Good luck!
£5
Emma Hamilton
Good luck Indy! All the best Emma and the kids 🙏
Well Done🙏