Le Loop - supporting the William Wates Memorial Trust
Hi
I’ve signed up to do an amazing thing in 2026, a cycle ride called Le Loop.
It follows the official route of the Tour de France, one week ahead of the professionals and finishes 23 days later in Paris.
I start on Saturday 27th June 2026 with around 100 riders in Barcelona for the 'Grand Depart'.
I am cycling all 21 stages, approximately 3500 km (2200 miles!) averaging about 160 km (100 miles) a day.
I will climb some of the biggest mountains in France… I am eagerly awaiting the route announcement in October!
I have committed to raise a minimum amount for the William Wates Memorial Trust (WWMT) of £3000.
The fundraised money is entirely separate from the participation fee - donations do not pay for my Tour.
All monies raised go directly to the William Wates Memorial Trust whose 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 giving grants to charities that engage young people through the medium of sports, 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.
Le Loop is no small undertaking. Riding even ONE stage of the Tour de France route is going to hurt, 21 are going to be very challenging!
Please reward my pain by giving generously.
Many thanks Mark
My Updates
Good Training!
Tuesday 9th Sep I rode the final stage of the Tour of Britain on Saturday, a day before the pros!Thank you to my Sponsors
£106
Sagi Koborsi
£106
Andrew Murphy
Great effort Marketing - very best of luck 💪
£106
Valerie Sutton
A really good cause. Well done Mark. But take care. x x
£106
Sarah White
Mark, you crazy man …. We will support you all the way …. Maybe not on a bike though, as we will struggle to keep up! :) It’s going to be a hard training over the next 9 months, with clearly lots of hill training needed in Yorkshire! Lots of love Sarah, Harry and Issie x
£100
Keith Lewis
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Mark Lewis
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Beech Horn
It’s going to be incredible to see your transformation on the run up to this, a tremendous effect before you even get to the first day, still we’ll give you plenty of exercise going uphill until then.
£55
Andrew Layton
Good Luck and Enjoy!
£53.32
Mhairi Howse
Mark - this sounds incredible. Enjoy the ride!! Mhairi
£53.32
Lucie Banham
Good luck Mark!
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Tony Sutton
good luck
£53.32
Philippa Chloe Lewis
Good luck! Stay safe! An amazing undertaking!
£53.32
Sy Harding
Good luck Mark! What a fantastic cause.
£53.32
Celia Kitchingman
Good Luck !
£53.32
Chris Ellis
Hats off to you Mark for taking on such a challenge, what a great cause though! Best of luck to you!
£53.32
Lucy Lines
Wow! This is incredible. Good luck with all the training and what lies ahead. The Lines family x
£53.32
Carey Benson-blair
What an incredible thing to experience! Huge kudos for even signing up for this bonkers idea, good luck and look forward to following your progress! Much love from the BBs xx
£50
Douglas Elliott
Great cause and a serious challenge. Good luck Mark!
£27.05
Tomas O'dea
Best of luck Mark!
£27.05
Leogue Consulting
£27.05
Alan Crowhurst
Good luck Mark, I hope the weather is fitting.
£27.05
Lukasz Nowak
Best of luck, Mark! Don't forget to pack plenty of spare calves.
£27.05
Joshua Jones
Good luck!
£25
Daniel Giles
Hi Mark - this is fantastic! Chapeau!
£25
Fitz Simpson
All the best with the challenge, that’s a lot of calories and for a great cause :)
£25
Q
£25
Dave Suddock
What a great cause and what big challenge. All the very best luck!
£21.84
Alexandra Kamm
Good luck Mark
£11.33
