Le Loop - supporting the William Wates Memorial Trust
Le Loop follows the official route of the Tour de France, one week ahead of the professionals and finishes 21 stages later in Paris.
On Friday 26th June 2026 I will be one of around 100 riders who will gather in Barcelona for the 'Grand Depart'. I'm signed up for the Grand Loop which means I'm aiming to ride all 21 stages of France's most famous bike race.
Every participant commits to raising a minimum amount for the William Wates Memorial Trust (WWMT); my target is £3,000. 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. I rode six stages in 2024 as a test which gave me the confidence to try for all 21 stages in 2026. It will be without doubt the hardest physical challenge I've ever attempted. I will be 61 years old eight days after the end and completing it and raising £3,000 for young people in real need will be the best birthday present I could wish for.
Any donation you can give to support the William Water Memorial Trust will be really valuable and very much appreciated.
Vive Le Tour!
My Updates
Cold December, still training!
Tuesday 6th Jan
Training well under way - first month done
Wednesday 3rd Dec
Thank you to my Sponsors
£207.20
Colin Colston
£106
Martin Colston
£106
Eduardo Gutierrez
Good luck Martin. I look forward to hearing about it. Best wishes for 2026
£103.60
Edith Colston
Good Luck Martin! We’ll be cheering you on all the way!
£100
Dominic Colston
Have the best time! Chapeau!
£53.32
Colin Brown
Great work Martin well done!
£53.32
Paul Spark
£53.32
The Daces
Enjoy the ride!
£53.32
H-j
Go bro. You’re up there with the pros and doing an incredible challenge for a great cause. Very proud of you.
£53.32
Cate Colston
You’re amazing and inspiring! I know how much effort you’re putting in. Enjoy the ride!
£32.23
Chris Stebbing
Vive le Tour! Go MC go!
£32.23
Mark Crooke
Smash It & Enjoy, if you can ! 😁 If Leeds stay up, I'll double it 👍
£27.05
Gareth Davies
£27.05
Alex Colston
£27.05
Helen Dillingham
Good luck Martin
£25
Mr P Mckenzie
Good riding and best of luck. Had a great time with you guys last year in the Outer Hebrides but this is just a touch further 😅 cheers Paul
£21.84
James Avison
Martin this is beyond ambitious. It’s terribly terribly ambitious. Naturally, you’ll be fine and will take some incredible pictures en route looking as fresh as a daisy. Bravo.
£16.56
Lucy Colston
Bonne chance!!
Good luck with your Great challenge Martin.