Indy Gill

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 🙏