A COLCHESTER bike mechanic has been selected to ride alongside England sporting legends Andrew Flintoff and Lawrence Dallaglio as they take on an epic 22 day cycle challenge.

Lee Kidger, who works in Halfords in Cowdray Avenue, is one of 15 company employees who have been selected to assist the stars as they cycle across Europe in this year’s Cycle Slam.

Mr Kidger said: “This is a once in a lifetime experience and I am very excited to be part of such an incredible event.

“I can’t wait to be on the road and making sure that all bikes are in the ultimate condition to tackle the challenging route.”

The cycle is split into five stages and Mr Kidger will be the lead mechanic in 562km stage three, between Strade Bianche, in Italy, and the Swiss Alps.

The cycle began yesterday in Greece and is due to finish on May 18 in London, covering 2,817km.

Former England cricket captain Flintoff and former England back row Dallaglio are aiming to raise £2,012,000 for charities the Dallaglio Foundation, the AF Foundation.

Mr Kidger was selected for his “outstanding experience” in bike maintenance and is tasked for making sure the pair’s Boardman Team Carbon road bikes stay in top condition during the cycle.

It means he is expected to check, repair and service the bikes while on the road.