Intense Factory Racing 2024 Team Launch 6

We are stoked to introduce the all-new 2024 INTENSE Factory Racing (IFR) team of Joe Breeden (24, UK, Elite), Louise Ferguson (27, UK, Elite), Oscar Griffiths (17, UK, Junior) and Ryder Lawrence (16, USA, Junior).

The team will be racing the new INTENSE M1 in this year’s Downhill World Cup Series, local National Series and select Crankworx events. The team is supported and sponsored by a selection of brands that have been chosen based on their quality, performance and how they compliment the M1. They include: Continental, TLD, e*thirteen, Saddleback, J-Tech Suspension, Öhlins, OneUp Components, HT, Smanie, Peaty's, Works Components and TRP.

Heading up the new project is World Cup Downhill racer Joe Breeden. Joe has ridden for INTENSE for five years, firstly on the UK based team for three years, and then on the IFR team for the last two seasons.

“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

Joe has brought in industry veteran Olly Morris to steer the ship from a management and performance perspective, and Joe’s long term mechanic Jon Stout also joins the team as Head Mechanic. Jon brings extensive experience and knowledge about what is needed to set up and run a high level race team. Jon will be joined by two-wheel legend Randy Lawrence (original 1995 INTENSE team member), who will mechanic for his son Ryder, and Louise Ferguson will be looked after by KC Till. To complete the team cinematographer Callum Philpott will be on hand to capture all the action, both on and off the track, and Mark Griffiths will be helping to oversee operations.

“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 team will continue with their preparations and training for the upcoming race season, dialing in their bikes and bodies. We can’t wait for the race season to begin with the first World Cup at the start of May in Fort William (Scotland).

Follow the new IFR team’s progress on Instagram @intensefactoryracing.