Featured Riders Tory and Paul
Tory and Paul rode with us first back in 2022. They returned the following year and after a brief break in 2024, they’ll be back on tour with us this summer.
We often have couples signing up to Le Loop. Usually they ride the same Loop together, though not always. It’s an opportunity to share a passion, spend plenty of time together training and ultimately conquer a challenge side-by-side.
Tory and Paul are a great example of a couple who have thoroughly enjoyed signing up to this challenge together – enjoying sharing the training as well as the Tour itself (and going on to have more cycling adventures together, such as the King Alfred’s Way).
Their first Le Loop Tour tackled the 4 stage Grand Depart in Denmark. They rode another 4 stages in 2023 but this year they’re upping the ante and are tackling 8 stonking stages: the full 1st Half of the Tour.
We can’t wait to have this cheery pair back on tour with us this summer and watching them go from strength-to-strength as cyclists! Allez Allez!
Meet Tory and Paul
Names: Paul Chantler & Tory Doody
Ages: 59 & 55
Location: Paris
Pedigree:
Before our first Loop in Denmark in 2022, we were very much casual cyclists, often pedaling along the Marne River on Sundays for coffee and croissants. Since then, we’ve completed four more stages, ventured into mountain biking, and joined our local bike clubs. But the real thrill has been in using cycling to discover and explore new places together.
They say:
Paul: It may take all day to get round some of the stages, but if you just focus on getting to the next food stop that keeps it manageable. I’ve no idea what happens within the front, faster groups, but down towards the back there’s always someone who will agree that it’s time for an ice cream break!
Tory: My primary learning was a better understanding of the need to eat enough during the rides and how important it is to fuel up afterwards to avoid fatigue build-up. I also learned not to spend too much time at food stops, as this can impact how long your ride will take.
Highlights from Le Loop
The organization is mind-blowing; the Loop team work so hard to consistently deliver the best cycling experience for all Loopers, whatever the level. There are fantastic food stops, technical support, massages and many laughs. And it’s allowed us to achieve some great goals, for example a marvellous day in 2023 riding around the beautiful (and happily-extinct!) volcanoes of the Auvergne, climbing over 3.000 metres for the first time.
Where are you now?:
Looking forward to the weather improving so that we can get outdoors and build up some distance, as we’ve committed to eight stages this year. We’re enjoying riding with friends, some of whom we will be seeing in Lille at the end of June.
Thanks Tory and Paul for contributing to our featured rider post. Keep up the training and see you in Lille!
Vive Le Tour!
