Mike Priestley

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

On Friday 21st June 2024 I will travel to Florence, Italy, to cycle all 21 stages of the Tour de France, one week ahead of the pro's.

The Tour in 2024 is generally acknowledged to be one of the hardest routes in many years - over 52km of total elevation gain (!!), 32km of gravel on a single stage, the hardest 1st stage in modern times & big Alpine mountains as early as stage 4! 

Bernard Hinault, the famously blunt spoken French multiple Tour & Monument winner had the following to say about people like me doing this:

"An amateur should think long and hard before attempting one of these stages, 2 would probably necessitate a visit to a Doctor, 3 would require a psychiatrist – any more and you should be checking that person has written a will."

I will be raising money for the William Wates Memorial Trust (WWMT), whose mission is to help the most disadvantaged young people keep away from a life of crime and violence and fulfill 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.

NB:The money you donate 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.

Thank you very much for anything you can give - it's really appreciated & will make a difference to people.