Intense Factory Racing (IFR) have announced their line up for the 2024 UCI Downhill World Cup. The brand, so synonymous with downhill racing, have confirmed that Joe Breeden, Louise Ferguson, Oscar Griffiths and Ryder Lawrence will race for them this year. Aaron Gwin had already announced that he was leaving the squad but big question marks remain around where Dakotah Norton will be plying his trade this season.
The IFR elite charge will now be led by the UK’s Breeden (24) and Ferguson (27). The former has been on Intense bikes since his pro debut for the UK Saddleback team whilst the latter is a new signing having competed last season for Continental Nukeproof. Her standout result came at the UCI World Championships Glasgow where she placed fourth at Fort William.
When I found out that the IFR team was finishing under the ownership of Aaron Gwin, I saw the opportunity to take on a new responsibility. I wanted to put a team in place that not only fitted my racing needs but also gave a platform for other riders to perform at their best, and provide the most value possible to the brands that are supporting us. The vision for the team is to offer an environment for personal growth, a place where we develop people and craft riders, providing a platform for champions to form.
Joe Breeden
Oscar Griffths (17) is a highly-rated UK Junior rider who previously competed under the Resolute Racing banner. Ryder Lawrence is one of the most decorated young riders to emerge from the competitive US national ranks and will be making the step up to UCI Mountain Bike World Series level for the first time in 2024. His father, Randy, competed for Intense in the late 1990’s.
At the helm will be Olly Morris whilst Jon Stout will head up their mechanics. Intense Cycles founder, Jeff Steber expressed his excitement regarding the upcoming season:
This year’s team reminds me of why I started INTENSE, and it feels like history is coming full circle after 30 years. The relaunch of the M1 combined with the introduction of a fresh, new IFR program combines old traditions with new possibilities. Joe has ridden INTENSE since his early days as a Junior. Ryder and Oscar are both very promising Juniors. Add to that the team’s exciting return to the Women’s Elite field with the super-talented Louise Ferguson. With such a great group, on a completely re-designed race rig, it’s bound to be a nail-biter of a season!
Jeff Steber, INTENSE Founder and CEO
The question of where both Aaron Gwin and Dakotah Norton will be racing this season remains. Norton stormed to a second place in Loudenvielle-Peyragudes last year, won the Fox US Open of Mountain Biking and scored another podium in Snowshoe, WV.
Stay tuned to our Team Changes story for all the latest rider moves and team news as we get ready to get the Gravity season back underway in Fort William 03 – 05 May.
