Want a good Downhill racing pub quiz question? When was the last time an Intense bike won an elite men’s UCI World Cup round, where was it and who was the rider? Pens down. It was Chris Kovarik, Mont-Sainte-Anne, 2006. And, crucially, it was for MS Intense Racing. The team ran by Austria’s Max Stöckl represented the full factory effort and was at different times home to such talents as Kovarik, Vanessa Quin, Claudio Caluori, Matti Lehikoinen, Anneke Beerten and JD Swanguen.

Now, for the 2024 UCI DHI World Cup season, the two brands have reformed having not worked together for nearly two decades. MS Intense Racing will be fronted by David Trummer (AUT) , Eleonora Farina (ITL), Jacob Dickson (IRL) and Tuhoto Ariki-Pene (NZ).The roster is virtually unchanged from the 2023 season barring the departure of kiwi Brook Macdonald who is yet to announce who he will be riding for this season.

Intense founder, Jeff Steber, had this to say:

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 very excited to see the new M1 under such a talented group of riders. It’s going to be a great season!

Jeff Steber, Intense founder and CEO

Max Stöckl of MS Racing expressed his excitement about the upcoming season:

We all know that the bicycle industry is going through a bit of a crisis at the moment, and looking for a new partner was always going to be difficult, but honestly it’s so cool to be back with INTENSE again after so many years. Jeff and I go way back to my early race days, and I can’t think of a better brand to be working with, especially with the new M1, which has already proven to be an amazing bike. Everyone involved with MS, from the riders, mechanics and backroom staff, are looking forward to this new era and a successful partnership for years to come.

Max Stöckl, MS Intense Racing

The team will be running Michelin tires, Shimano drivetrain and brakes, SDG saddles and seat posts, e*thirteen wheels and chain guides, Renthal for cockpit components and Kenny Racing as a new clothing partner.

Stay tuned to the site for all the latest team and rider news ahead of the first round of the UCI Downhill World Cup in Fort William 03-05 May.