Le Loop - supporting the William Wates Memorial Trust
Le Loop follows the official route of the Tour de France, just one week ahead of the professionals, finishing 21 stages later in Paris. As I celebrate my 60th year, I decided that cycling some of the iconic stages would be an unforgettable way to mark this milestone.
Three cycling friends of mine from Henley/Reading—Steve, Jed, and Adam—are also turning 60 around the same time, so we've committed to tackling 'Mountain Week' of the Tour together. For those familiar with the Etape (the grueling stage of the Tour), we’ll be taking that on, along with five other intense stages. Starting in Pau (Pyrenees) and finishing near Geneva (Alps), we'll ride 964km and ascend 22,000m—an elevation gain equal to climbing Everest 2.5 times. The climbs are the true challenge, with iconic mountains like Mount Ventoux, Superbagneres, Col de la Loze, La Plagne, and many more long, demanding ascents.
On Friday, June 25, 2025, around 100 riders will gather in Lille for the 'Grand Depart’ who are committed to raise funds for the William Wates Memorial Trust (WWMT). The money we raise is entirely separate from the participation fee—donations do not go toward covering my costs for the Tour.
Every penny we raise will go directly to the WWMT, a charity dedicated to helping the most disadvantaged young people steer clear of crime and violence, and fulfill their potential. The Trust achieves this by supporting charities that engage young people through sports, arts, and education.
Le Loop is no small feat—riding even one stage of the Tour de France is a serious challenge. So, please reward my efforts (and inevitable pain) by donating generously. For anyone interested, all my cycling data is available on Strava: Paul Wills | Strava Cyclist Profile.
Merci - Paul
A massive good luck, you'll smash it! Fight through all of the pain - think of the great Strava content you’ll have by the finish! 🚴