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 join around 100 other riders in Barcelona ready for the 'Grand Depart'. Some will cycle a few days, some ride further. I will be one of the lucky (if slightly crazy) ones taking on the whole Tour de France route!!
This years Tour de France covers 3,333 km (2071 miles) with 54,450m of elevation gain -more than 6 times up Everest (gulp). The 2026 Tour route is rightly described as on of the toughest in recent years.
I am covering all my own costs to ride Le Loop and have committed to raising at least £3000 for the Will Wates Memorial Trust (WWMT). The fundraised money is entirely separate from the costs of taking part - 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.
WWMT support projects across the country but I'm delighted that the charity has been supporting several local charities, including Promoting Children in Plymouth. PCIP does amazing work promoting literacy and creating opportunities for young people in Plymouth. I've been lucky enough to visit one of the PCIP initiatives and the impact on young people's lives is very real and humbling to see in action.
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 many of us take for granted.
Le Loop is no small undertaking. While it will be an amazing experience, there is no doubt this is going to hurt! Please reward my pain by giving generously.
Merci!
Simon
