Source: press release
INTENSE is pleased to announce the news that current US national champion Dakotah Norton and British super-talent Joe Breeden will compete alongside athletes Aaron Gwin and young Canadian Seth Sherlock in the INTENSE Factory Racing (IFR) team in 2022.
Team owner Aaron Gwin really needs no introduction. With 20 World Cup victories, five World Cup titles and eight US National Championships to his name, he is truly one of the greatest downhill runners of all time. Unfortunately, Aaron's 2021 racing season was cut short by an injury that allowed him to run only two of the six World Cup stages. Aaron is now in his fourth year with INTENSE and we believe this new team is one of the strongest we've ever had. Aaron is still as focused and determined as ever and we can't wait to see what 2022 brings for the team.
“I am really happy with how our program is shaping up for the future. We have fantastic talents on board and I look forward to working together to achieve all the goals we hope to achieve. The team and I have worked hard this low season and I believe we have been able to make the necessary gains to put ourselves in a winning position. I can't wait for the racing season to start ”. - Aaron Gwin
Dakotah is a frequent visitor to the top step of the podium in the US ProGRT series and Downhill South East and is also familiar with the top 10 of the World Cup. In the 2021 season he won at the US championships in Winter Park, Colorado and in the World Cup he placed three times in the top ten, narrowly missing out on a podium position in round 5 in Snowshoe (USA).
“INTENSE won races before I learned to drive, so joining the INTENSE family this season is really exciting for me. They are a brand that is not afraid to go outside the box as a racing program to put performance first. The whole program and everyone around it has a compelling story, so I can't wait to put myself in a new environment and see what we can achieve together. I have immense respect for Aaron and everything he told me before signing the new plans they have for this year. ” - Dakota Norton
Joe is no stranger to INTENSE, he raced with the UK headquarters for three seasons between 2017 and 2019. In 2021 he won the Crankworx BC Mt7 Psychosis ending last season on a positive note.
“Since I started racing for INTENSE Racing UK when I was 17, it has been my dream to one day race for the Factory team. Five years later and here we are… and I couldn't be more excited. I'm super excited for the future to work with everyone to see what we can all achieve together. “- Joe Breeden
The youngest of the team is the experienced Seth Sherlock. Seth has been riding INTENSE bikes since he was 10, officially joining the brand at 13 when he joined the Kovarik Racing Rider Development program. 2021 was a complete introduction to the senior World Cup ranks for Seth and the team is thrilled to see him progress as he returns to that series in 2022.
“I am really excited to continue with INTENSE Factory Racing for 2022. I have loved the last two years with the team and it will be great to have some new faces in the pits. Joe and Dakotah are great bikers and I can't wait to get out, ride and learn from them. I have a lot to prove and I am ready to take a step forward in 2022 ″. - Seth Sherlock
The team will continue to develop and compete with the INTENSE M279 alloy DH bicycle prototype. They will work closely together on some new tweaks and special tweaks for 2022. In addition, Seth and Joe will be racing the new INTENSE Tracer enduro bike in select Enduro World Series (EWS) races this year.
“It will be a great year for the team. With the addition of Dakotah and Joe, both have had great results over the last couple of years, and for Aaron and Seth, the new downhill it will definitely elevate their performance. INTENSE, and our supporting sponsors, have provided us with a level of support that will show our best.” -Todd Schumlick, IFR Team Manager
The 2022 team is a great mix of youth and experience, strength and skill, and with the new bikes competing on both the World Cup circuits and EWS, the INTENSE Factory Racing Team can't wait to be back in the ribbons. .
“IFR 2022, this is a dream team program that Aaron and INTENSE have assembled focusing on the podium and product development at the highest level. I am very excited to continue working with Aaron and Seth and to look forward to new opportunities with Dak and Joe. John Hall also takes on a new role not only as Aaron's mechanic, but also as Technical Product Director to coordinate product development between the race and research team. We now not only have a range of aggressive riders, but also a support program to help develop a next-generation DH bike. - Jeff Steber, INTENSE Founder
For more information INTENSE. com
