Mark Ian Palmer

I'm taking on an epic cycling challenge: Le Loop.

Le Loop follows the official route of the Tour de France, one week ahead of the professionals and finishes 21 stages later in Paris, some 3,400kms later.

I was due to undertake the tour in 2023 but due to unforeseen circumstances  I have delayed to the 2024 edition. This year I have signed up to tackle the first week of the tour.   Starting with 3 fantastic stages in Italy, including Le Grand Depart in Florence and finishing with an epic gravel stage around Troyes, the first time in the men's edition of Le Tour.  We will be following exactly the route of the real riders of the Tour de France.  It's going to be more than 1,500km (900+miles) and around 18,000m (60,000ft) of climbing or 2x Everst. It will be tough but it will be fun!

Training has kicked off in earnest with a fantastic week of cycling in Spain with the CC London cycling club.

Every participant commits to raising a minimum amount for the William Wates Memorial Trust (WWMT). 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. An example is Street Doctors, a movement of young healthcare volunteers who train young people how to save the life of someone who has been stabbed or knocked out.

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! Please reward my pain by giving generously.

Merci!