Words: Mike Rose / IntensePaint Job & Photos: Fresh Paints of WhistlerThe word ‘legend’ is often used a little too freely, but Intense team rider Chris Kovarik really is a legend of the downhill mountain bike world. There are very few (if any) professional mountain bikers that have been with just one brand for such a long period of time. Twenty-two years, well over two decades of loyalty and dedication, during which time Kovarik has won multiple Australian National Championships titles, four World Cups, including his unforgettable +14 second demolition in Fort William 2002… one of the greatest race runs of all time… and all on flat pedals let’s not forget.
Back in the late 1990s Kovarik was part of the initial wave of super fast Aussies that turned the downhill race scene on its head. The style was powerful and aggressive, but always seemingly in control… kind of! When Kovarik was on track it was serious stuff, it was not for the fainthearted. You couldn’t take your eye off him, and he was always up for the win.
Chris first met Intense at the NORBA finals in Vermont. He was a privateer riding for Dave Rodgers’ Qranc Team with Nathan Rennie, Johnny Waddel and the Rogers brothers. He won the race and ended up second in the overall points for the series. Later that day Jeff Steber (Intense CEO and founder) approached him and said to give him a call. A month later, he signed with Intense and basically became part of the family from that day on.
 | There’s been a ton of great memories and highlights along the way, a couple that stick out are my win at Fort Bill by 14 seconds, third place at the Worlds in Kaprun 2002. There was my third place in Schladming with Nathan Rennie and Sam Hill winning, we were all on flat pedals which was cool. The comeback win at Mont-Sainte-Anne in 2006 was really satisfying. Then merging with CRC and Nigel Page was a really cool adventure, including three years developing the EVO DH bike. It’s been great to have shared some input and see the bikes evolve from the M1 right through to the M279 mullet today that the Intense Factory Racing team and young Seth Sherlock (who I used to coach for many years) are riding.—Chris Kovarik |
So, to celebrate 22 years with Intense Chris hooked-up with local specialists Fresh Paints of Whistler to create this very personal one-off celebratory custom painted M29 frame. It had to be a DH bike and that’s what Chris grew up riding and it was only fitting to choose the M29 over the M16, as it’s the bike he will be spending most time of his time racing, coaching and riding on. Check out Chris's thoughts on the project below:
103 Comments
Early 1996, 14 year old me: www.pinkbike.com/photo/20383318/?s6
1996 Mt Hood Skibowl dual slalom: www.pinkbike.com/photo/20383317/?s6
1996 Dry Hill (Port Angeles, WA) dual slalom: www.pinkbike.com/photo/20383316/?s4
1994 team M1 frame, refurbished and built up by Jeff Steber for me in late 1995, one of his first customers in the PNW: www.pinkbike.com/photo/20383319/?s6
I know its a good bike (well you'd think so with Cesar Rojo the man behind the design) but by 2022 i'm sure this bike won't be for sale any longer and the M279 will have taken over. If they can make a prototype for a 17 year old you'd think they could have knocked up one for someone who's been riding longer than he's been alive and maybe even helped with the R&D !?!
Also if you're a fan of flat pedals, checkout his Chromag Dagga's! They're the real deal \m/
www.pinkbike.com/photo/17629439
Travels beyond the Vail
Gravis Metallum! \m/
www.pinkbike.com/u/DoubleCrownAddict/album/YT-Bikes-marketing-images-etc