Le Loop - supporting the William Wates Memorial Trust
🚴♂️ Michael & Sam – Riding the Alps for WWMT
From July 14th-17th 2026, my son and I will be taking on the Alps section of Le Loop, riding the official route of the Tour de France just one week ahead of the professionals.
Le Loop follows the full Tour route and finishes 21 stages later in Paris. Around 100 riders will gather in Barcelona for the Grand Départ on Friday 26th June 2026. Some ride a few days, some take on the full three weeks.
We’ve chosen the Alps, arguably the most iconic and brutal part of the Tour. So we will be joining the peloton with fresh legs!
Massive climbs. Long days. Little mercy.
Riders tackle one of several “Loops”, covering anything from 2 to all 21 stages of France’s most famous bike race. Every participant commits to raising funds for the William Wates Memorial Trust (WWMT). Importantly, every penny donated goes directly to the charity, it does not fund our participation.
Why We’re Doing This
The William Wates Memorial Trust exists to help some of the most disadvantaged young people stay away from a life of crime and violence and fulfil their potential.
They do this by funding grassroots charities that engage young people through sport, arts and education, giving opportunities to those who might otherwise never get them.
As a dad, riding this alongside my son makes the cause even more meaningful. We’re incredibly lucky to have opportunities, health, and support. Not every young person does.
This is our chance to give something back.
The Challenge
Le Loop is no small undertaking.
Even ONE stage of the Tour de France route is tough. The Alps? That’s serious climbing, the kind you normally only watch on TV with a cup of tea in hand.
There will be long mountain ascents, high temperatures, tired legs and probably moments of questioning our life choices.
But it’s nothing compared to the challenges faced by the young people this charity supports.
Please Support Us
Charities, especially those supporting young people, have faced incredibly tough times over the last few years.
If you’re able to sponsor us, any amount makes a real difference.
Please reward our pain in the mountains by giving generously 🙏
Thank you so much for your support.
Michael & Sam
Merci! 🇫🇷🚵♂️
Thank you to my Sponsors
£53.32
Anonymous
£53.32
Anonymous
Mountain goats rulz
£52.12
Rb Installations Ltd
£50
Mark Raw
Well done lads, great cause too
£27.05
Mark Parrini
Good luck!
£27.05
Danny Lisa Noah Molly Henry
What an incredible challenge and great cause. You’ve got this!!!
£27.05
Sallie Smith (leon’s Mum)
£27.05
Anonymous
Well done Sam, a great cause helping disadvantaged young people… and an even greater cause helping your dad survive 15,120m of climbing. Proud of you mate, donation in 👍
£27.05
Afor Uk
Good luck
£27.05
Dom And Karen
What a great challenge! Good luck with the training and fundraising. You can do it!
£27.05
Matthew Bartle
All the best guys!!!
£27.05
James Cawthorne
Good luck fellas…. Jim
£27.05
Parmjeet Dayal
£27.05
Helen Metcalf
Lots of luck and best wishes Michael! Helen M
£25
Henry Aspden
Go smash it guys
£25
Betty & Mike Collins
Keep on pedalling until you reach the finish line. Best of Luck.
£21.84
Richard Wylde
Have a great ride 🚲
£21.36
Yin Li
What a challenge! but for such a good cause - good luck Mike!
£20
Smedley Family
Good luck guys, fantastic challenge, great cause.
£16.56
Horbury Bookkeeping Ltd
Good luck to you both
£11.33
Tim Sluman
£11.33
Rob Evans
Good luck both!!
£11.33
Ian Singleton
Go for it guys, you got this 💪
£11.33
Nicholas Vlastaris
Tough challenge but you have our support and best wishes!
£11.33
Sarah Kingham
What a great cause to raise money for. Mike, don’t try and keep up with Sam! Sam, be kind to your dad x
£10
The Millers
Good luck boys - you’ve got this!
Well done Mike, impressive, hope it's not too painful for either of you 😊