Wim Chalmet (main photo – 2nd from right) rode with us in 2018 and is returning in 2019 to tackle all 21 stages of the Tour de France route. Based up in the wilds of Northern Scotland, he was inspired to champion a local charity for a WWMT grant application. It was such a success that WWMT have agreed to a 2nd year of funding to continue the fantastic work.
Wim tells us more about his journey to this point and what he has learnt along the way.
NAME: Wim Chalmet
AGE: 47
LOCATION: Embo – North of Scotland
EXPERIENCE:
At the age of 30 I got hooked on road cycling and joined the Royal Antwerp Bicycle Club (allegedly the oldest Belgian cycling club going back to 1882). One of the things I remember about my first club ride was the support from fellow riders that I didn’t really know. It was the overwhelming feeling of camaraderie and genuine support getting each other through when we were struggling, that really stuck with me. It became my personal mantra.
As my fitness quickly improved I was able to go on group rides a lot more comfortably and it enabled me to support other riders when they needed it. What a feeling!
The passion for cycling at that point took over my life and I loved it. I went on to compete in regional road races in Belgium, time trials and multi-day mountain bike events such as the TransAlp Bike Challenge and Cape Epic.
However over the last 5 years I realised that my professional career had taken over my cycling without me realising it. I started to feel very unhealthy (physically and mentally), lost my mojo and decided to do something about it. My first step was to look for a challenge – something that motivated me. I wanted to get back to my deep feeling of happiness and fulfilment when I am on a bike. The thought of riding the Tour de France has always been a distant dream but never had the confidence to take the leap, particularly at that point when my fitness level iwas very low (and being at least 2 stone heavier is not really helpful).
After some research and soul-searching I knew that Le Loop was the answer to re-invigorate my passion. Beside the opportunity to ride the Tour de France exactly like the pros, it also provided me with an opportunity to actively support a charity that helps disadvantaged young people, which is something that in my profession I am confronted with on a daily basis. I’m grateful that the WWMT supported me in ‘championing’ a local charity for one of their grants. Tykes truly makes a difference to Young Carers in the Sutherland area.
A new chapter in my life was initiated.
HE SAYS:
The biggest step (and potential barrier) is signing up for the unknown. Can I do this challenge? The prospect of signing up for such a challenge will definitely feel daunting. I can guarantee you that you will never regret doing so. As F D Roosevelt said ‘Believe you can and you’re half way there!’. Signing up for any Le Loop route will be massively rewarding for you as a person.
The Le Loop team is fantastic! They are always ready to support and encourage you on your journey. When you arrive the day before your first stage you will feel the enthusiasm from the team as well as other riders. Meeting so many different riders from different backgrounds and nationalities is such a personal enrichment that you will soon be, like myself, already looking forward signing up to the next Le Loop challenge. The initial question ‘Can I do this?’ becomes a more collective response ‘Together we will do this and support each other as we go along!’.
Enjoy every moment of the journey. Live the moment as you are visiting iconic places where legendary battles in cycling history took place. Photo shows iconic Roubaix velodrome at stage 9 of Le Loop 2018 with Tom (New Zealand), Chris & Andy (Abu Dhabi). 2019 will bring many more of these iconic places!
It will be hard at times but it will be worthwhile. Take in every moment you can spend on a bike and be grateful you can. You can do it – FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real!
WHERE ARE YOU NOW?
After having done the first nine stages of Le Loop 2018 I am delighted that I have secured a place on the 2019 edition for the Grand Loop. The overwhelming sense of personal achievement after having done it in 2018 as a semi-Grand Looper also gave me a great sense of belonging to a group of like-minded cyclists that have raised an amazing £400K to support disadvantaged young people. Spending so much time on the bike really let’s you appreciate the fact that we are all so fortunate that we are able, and in a position to do it. The physical as well as the mental sense of achievement is phenomenal but also makes you think beyond the challenge.
Being able to see first-hand the impact the financial support given to the youngsters by TYKES through WWMT was very powerful and great to see that my/our fundraising efforts made such a difference to these youngsters. For many of the young people it created an opportunity to develop their social skills, self-confidence and self-esteem. The support from WWMT/Le Loop has helped these youngsters to participate and have a significant impact on their social and educational development. I am glad that this support will continue.
As a certified British Cycling level 3 coach and Accredited level 2 TrainingPeaks coach I started coaching other riders in the preparation of any physical challenge they were taking on. With the coaching fee going into the charity I take great pleasure in sharing my knowledge on training and preparation and helping riders. The moment they achieve their goals I feel delighted to say “Chapeau – we have done it!”.
Looking forward to see you on Le Loop 2019!
Wim