Le Loop Rider Night
We love our Rider Nights – it’s our first chance to meet some of our Loopers and it’s great to get a feel for the group, their enthusiasm and the general ‘vibe’. This one was a real corker – a lovely bunch of folk, full of enthusiasm and keen to throw their all into this summer’s Tour. Bravo!
The group included riders from all Loops, including several wonderful Alumni who keep coming back for more. This gave anyone who is new to the Tour this year, the chance to pick their brains and benefit from their extensive experience (some of these alumni have ridden well over 50 stages with us over the years). There’s a wealth of knowledge and advice among our alumni and we encourage you to mine them for it via your regional WhatsApp groups.
Palace for Life
It was an absolute privilege to be joined by Tom from Palace for Life, along with young Jamal who is one of their many astonishing success stories. Jamal became involved with Palace for Life as an ex-offender who had been in and out of prison from a very young age. Thanks to the programs runs by Palace for Life, he was given career training and a job opportunity – something that at one point he could never imagine having. He’s now at university, studying for a degree and his future is bright.
As well as speaking to the group, many of our cyclists chatted to Tom and Jamal during the evening. Everyone was extremely impressed by the work done at Palace for Life (Tom works at the employability branch of the foundation rather than the football outreach side and was able to explain what sort of work is possible and how it transforms the prospects and opportunities for young people by being so individual in their support).
Jamal is an incredible young man who has overcome countless challenges. He is thoughtful and articulate and has embraced every opportunity that Palace for Life have given him. Tom explained just how many barriers there are for young people like Jamal just in applying to university, let alone completing their courses and staying on track. It was a sobering talk but ultimately very motivating to know that we are helping change lives and break negative cycles.
We’re incredibly pleased to be welcoming Tom and Jamal on tour this summer to accompany us for one stage (Pau to Luchon), so even if you missed our Rider Night, many of you will have a chance to hear from Tom and chat to Jamal on tour (and help support them to ride some of the stage – their training has already begun and they’re taking on a 130m, 2 day ride in the spring as part of their training).
Our Thanks ...
… to Rick Wates – WWMT Trustee and Chairman of Le Loop for joining us and explaining more about the origins of WWMT and the projects we support. It’s always humbling to hear members of the Wates family talk about Will, and the Trust. We’re forever grateful for their continued active involvement and we’re looking forward to seeing Rick on tour a couple of stages this summer.
Thanks also to lead cyclist Ben for sharing his wisdom, encouragement and smiles. He loved meeting everyone, and catching up with some of the riders he met on tour last summer. We’re delighted that Ben will be our lead cyclist again this summer (he just couldn’t resist!!).
And finally, our thanks to all those riders who made it to the evening on a ‘school night’! You came from far and wide and it was great to see you all. Please do share any key takeaways from the evening in your WhatsApp groups.
Bon Courage!!