Russ Beresford

This summer I will be taking on the challenge of cycling the first half of this years Tour de France route a week before the pros (and definitely not as quickly!)

The first half which encompasses 9 full stages totalling 1,633 Km's and over 20,000 metres of climbing, starting in Bilbao and ending in Clermont Ferrand, is a massive challenge and one I'm not quite prepared for just yet.......I will be by the time it starts.....!

I will be raising money for a fantastic charity - see details below. All donations however small will be greatly appreciated and will give me the inspiration to keep turning those pedals over....

A bit more about the event and the charity;

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.

Riders tackle one of a selection of "Loops" riding anything from 2 to all 21 stages of the Tour de France route. 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.

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 the pain by giving generously.

Merci!