‘Tour De Aky’: ‘Keep the conversation going’ says organiser

25 July 2025

Fresh off the back of another ‘Tour De Aky’, the Federation member behind the popular bike ride has spoken of the value in police officers coming together and speaking about their mental health.

The seventh edition of the event took place earlier this month (July), with founder Acting Sergeant Pierre Olesqui joining a number of North Yorkshire Police personnel on the road for a day of fun, togetherness and remembrance.

Pierre established the Tour De Aky in 2019 to mark the life of his best friend and Force colleague PC Micky ‘Aky’ Atkinson, who tragically died by suicide a year earlier.

Since its inception, the ride has raised mental health awareness in memory of Aky, as well as significant money for related charities Menfulness and Andy’s Man Club, in addition to Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which was supported by the late officer.

This year, 78 cyclists set off from the event’s usual starting point in Woodlesford, Leeds, with ‘perfect cycling weather’ and spirits high.

Challenging 

“Unfortunately, we could only last on one of these two fronts – the sun was shining gloriously to begin with, but about 45 miles in, the heavens opened on us,” Pierre said.

“We knew it was on the cards, but suddenly we’d gone from ideal conditions to very challenging ones.

“In true Tour De Aky style, though, we were never to be discouraged. One rider had a nasty fall off his bike and cycled the last 40 miles with two broken ribs.

“That sort of commitment is testament to the attitude we see every year on the ride. Overall, it was a really pleasing effort from everyone – not that I expected anything less – and a very successful day all round.”

Despite seeing the same levels of dedication as he does year in, year out, it was also a slightly different Tour De Aky experience for Pierre this time around.

Accessible 

The 46-year-old did not cycle himself, instead taking a step back to oversee the running of the event, with two different routes offered to participants for the first time.

Riders could choose between the original distance of 106.6 miles or opt for a shorter 106.6-kilometre journey – both a nod to Aky’s collar number of 1066.

“We always want to make the ride accessible to as many people as possible,” Pierre added.

“Having this second route was always going to make us think about the logistics a bit more, but it worked really well – the kilometre riders stayed with the mile riders until it was time for them to take a different turn and close their route off.

“Between the two groups, we went past Aky’s high school, two stadiums which meant a lot to him in Headingley and Elland Road, and ended at York Police Station, where he was based out of.”

Incredible

And the milestones have continued to roll in even after pedals stopped turning, with a grand fundraising total since 2019 of £100,000 passed in recent days.

“This is just incredible. There simply wouldn’t be a Tour De Aky without all the support we’ve had – from riders, donors, organisers and the Federation too, who sponsored us yet again this year.

“To still be going in such good shape, with 78 riders in the seventh year, I know Aky would be so proud of everything we’ve done and everything we’re trying to achieve.”

Rounding off, Pierre paid tribute to Aky – who was a dog handler in the Force – and issued an important message to Federation members.

“Aky was a police officer, a partner, a father, my best mate and plenty more. When we lost him, my life changed forever and so did other people’s,” he said.

Talk to each other

“It’s absolutely vital we stay open about our mental health and talk to each other, especially in policing where it can feel like we must always remain strong.

“There are many ways to do that, including by joining us on our ride. You don’t have to have known Aky – in fact, I would say almost half of our riders this year didn’t – or be an elite cyclist to get involved.

“Our Tour is simply about joining together in his name to keep the conversation going, so every single person involved knows they are never on their own.”

You can donate to the Tour De Aky by visiting its 2025 GoFundMe page.