The Thomas Fire is currently burning in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties in Southern California and amongst those tackling the blaze is former Tour de France rider Roy Knickman.

The fire which started earlier this month had by December 10 resulted in one fatality, destroyed at least 790 structures and estimated to have cost at least $34 million to fight. It is currently estimated to be the 10th most destructive wildfire in California history and has forced over 50,000 people to evacuate.

A photo by former 7-Eleven soigneur Shelley Verses has been posted on Twitter showing Knickman in action.

The American rider enjoyed a successful career. He took bronze medal in the 1984 Olympics in the team time trial and went on to turn pro. He raced for La Vie Claire alongside Bernard Hinault and Greg LeMond before joining 7-Eleven.

Amongst his biggest wins were stages in both the Critérium du Dauphiné and the Tour du Suisse in 1987. He lined in up both the 1988 and 1989 Tours de France for he 7-Eleven team and he also took multiple wins in domestic races in the US.

After retiring, he worked in management for the Autotrader.com and Prime Alliance teams before later becoming a firefighter in Paso Robles, California.

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