Le Loop - supporting the William Wates Memorial Trust
🚴♂️ Why I’m Taking on Le Loop 2025 – Again!
In June 2025, I’ll be taking on one of the toughest challenges of my life (again!) - riding the full Tour de France route, all 21 stages, one week ahead of the pros, as part of Le Loop.
This isn’t my first time taking on this monster. I rode the entire Tour de France route two years ago, and at 56 years old, I’ve decided to return for another round. To be completely honest, this is going to be incredibly tough for me - physically, mentally, and emotionally. But I’m choosing to put myself through this challenge for a reason far bigger than myself.
🌟 The Cause: Supporting Young People Through Sport, Arts & Education
Every rider who participates in Le Loop commits to raising funds for the William Wates Memorial Trust (WWMT) - an amazing charity dedicated to helping disadvantaged young people steer away from crime and violence, build confidence, discover purpose, and realise their potential.
Every donation goes directly to the Trust.
None of it pays for my participation - that part comes from me.
Over the last few years, young people have faced enormous challenges. Opportunities many of us take for granted simply aren’t available to them. This ride is my way of giving something back, and helping open doors for young people who need it most.
🚴♂️ What Le Loop Actually Is
On Friday 25 June 2025, around 100 of us will gather in Lille for the Grand Depart.
Some riders do a few stages. Some take on a week.
And then there are the few slightly mad ones…
…who take on all 21 stages, just like the pros.
Le Loop follows the official Tour de France route, one week ahead of the race. That means every climb, every valley, every brutal mountain pass — including the iconic monsters of the Alps and Pyrenees.
Riding even one stage hurts. Riding all 21 is… well… “character building” is an understatement. Please reward my pain and suffering generously!
💛 Why This Matters to Me
At 56, taking on the full Tour again will push me further than almost anything I’ve done. It’s physically demanding, mentally relentless, and requires months of training, discipline and resilience.
But I’m doing it because:
• I believe in this cause.
• I believe young people deserve chances, not barriers.
• I believe sport can change lives.
I’m fit(ish)!, healthy, and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had including my chance to ride the Tour de France route in 2024. Not everyone gets those chances. This ride is my way to help create some.
I can't believe you're doing this again, given you know, first hand, how tough it will be! You are crazy, so the least I can do is donate to support you and this amazing cause.