CYCLING legend Chris Boardman teamed up with Oldham’s “Blazing Saddles” firefighters ahead of their epic 1,600-mile charity ride from Oldham’s Gibraltar Street – to Gibraltar.

Visiting Oldham Community Fire Station’s open day, on Saturday, Chris shared tips about surviving the 100 000ft climb over the Pyrenees in the blistering heat of summer as he took a look at the route team Blazing Saddles will take down through France and Spain on their 15 day “ride to the rock”.

Chris, Manchester’s first ever cycling and walking Commissioner, even joined riders Watch Manager Phil Courtnell and Firefighter Christopher Dean on the hydraulic platform a breathtaking 100 ft above Oldham.

The mayor of Oldham, Councillor Shadab Qumer also came to take a look at the fun as hundreds of visitors from across the borough joined in the charity fun which included rescue demos, fire engine experiences, hydraulic platform rides, driving simulators and a mini electric fire engine especially for small visitors rides.

The cyclists set off on their epic ride on June 14.

Named “The 100 Year Ride” in honour of the end of World War 1 and the 100th Anniversary of the Firefighters Union, the lads will be paying their respects to the Oldham Pals buried in Le Havre as they go through.

The Spanish Ambassador will be riding out of Madrid with them and the Governor of Gibraltar and local firefighters will welcome their arrival to the rock.