MS INTENSE RACING 2024 – Back to the Future – Mountain Bike Press Release
AAfter almost 20 years apart, we are very pleased to announce the new 2024 MS INTENSE RACING team, consisting of David Trummer (AUT), Eleonora Farina (ITA), Jacob Dickson (IRL) and Tuhoto Ariki Pene (NZ) . Founded in 2004, MS Racing has always been a World Cup downhill team and one of the most respected and successful teams on the circuit. MS-RACING and INTENSE have a long history. The relationship began in the late 1990s when INTENSE founder and CEO Jeff Steber began supporting an Austrian downhill racer named Max Stöckl (the MS from MS-RACING). This relationship (and a new team led by team manager Lukas Haider) blossomed in the mid-to-late 2000s with the creation of the MS-INTENSE racing team. Now, almost two decades after the original team, the MS INTENSE RACING team is reborn.
“This year really feels like a return to our roots. Max and Lukas have developed such a successful and professional program over the years and we are proud that they have chosen to work with INTENSE again. I’m really excited to see the new M1 among such a talented group of drivers. It’s going to be a great season!” – Jeff Steber, INTENSIVE
“It was important for us to find a partner with a competitive motorcycle and a ‘tenacious racing attitude’ when it comes to developing motorcycles. We have seen the work of INTENSE over the last few years and how much the team and in particular John Hall (former IFR team mechanic, now technical director of INTENSE) have put into the development of the current M1. In addition, there is the mastermind Jeff Steber in the background, who gives us great confidence for further success.” – Lukas Haider, team manager
“We all know that the cycling industry is going through a bit of a crisis at the moment and finding a new partner was always going to be difficult, but honestly it’s so cool to be back with INTENSE after so many years. Jeff and I look back on my early racing days and I can’t think of a better brand to work with, especially the new M1, which has already proven to be a fantastic motorcycle. Everyone involved with MS, from the drivers to the mechanics to the backroom staff, looks forward to this new era and a successful partnership for years to come.” – Max Stöckl, team owner
The 2024 sponsorship program includes INTENSE frames, Michelin tires, SHIMANO drivetrain and brakes, SDG saddles and seat posts, long-time partner e*thirteen for wheels and chain guides, Renthal for cockpit components and Kenny Racing as a new clothing partner.
Downhill is a tough sport and it’s fair to say that 2023 was a difficult season for MS-RACING. Due to a series of injuries, almost all team riders had to take a break and not sit on their bikes. David Trummer (herniated disc in the back requiring surgery), Eleonora Farina (broken collarbone, broken hand, concussion), Jacob Dickson (concussion at the end of 2022, followed by a car accident in 2023). Tuhoto Ariki Pene stayed injury-free and won the 2023 King of Crankworx Whistler title, and despite being injured for almost the entire 2023 season, Eleonora won the European title and placed fifth at the Andorra World Cup.
JACOB DICKSON
“It’s super cool to race for an iconic brand like INTENSE. When I think of INTENSE, I think of Shaun Palmer doing great in downhill and Jack Moir having his breakout season. I can’t wait to race the new M1.”
ELEONORA FARINA
“Being at INTENSE this season is so exciting for me. After eight years of racing on the same brand of bike, switching and working with a new frame will be really interesting. I actually can’t wait to get my hands on the new bike and ride it.”
DAVID TRUMMER
“INTENSE and the former IFR team have worked very hard on the new M1 bike. After our initial testing it was clear how much thought and racing experience went into it. I’m looking forward to riding downhill this season and it’s an honor to be part of such a historic brand like INTENSE.”
TUHOTO ARIKI PENE
MS-INTENSIVE STORY
The original MS INTENSE team lineup in 2005 already included some big names, including Claudio Caluori and Petra Bernhard. Then things got really serious in 2006 when the mighty Chris Kovarik joined and the team was renamed MS-INTENSE-FACTORY-RACING. He was quickly pursued Vanessa Quin, Mio Suemasa, Matti Lehikoinen, Anneke Beerten, JD Swanguen… the list goes on. In 2006 Kovarik won his and INTENSE’s last (male) World Cup in Mont-Sainte-Anne with the MS team, in 2007 Max set the world speed record for a production bike on an INTENSE M6 and in 2008 the team won the World Cup Cup 4X team overall. This chapter in the history of MS-RACING and INTENSE ended in 2008.
MS-RACING has over 20 years of experience in World Cup racing and has achieved some great results. Gold and silver medals at the 2016 World Championships in Val di Sole Danny Hart and Laurie Greenland. Silver medal at the 2010 World Championships in Mont-Sainte-Anne for Stevie Smith. Brook MacDonald, Laurie Greenland and Danny Hart all achieved their first World Cup victories while on the MS RACING team. There are too many to list here, but the team is no stranger to the podium.
This MS INTENSE RACING team is full of talent and 2024 marks a new beginning. After many A few years later, MS-INTENSE-RACING is once again a force in the World Cup.
