Video: Intense Racing UK Launches 2019 World Cup DH Team

Press Release: Intense Racing UK

With Intense Racing UK’s official 2019 team edit landing today, we can properly introduce this year’s roster, which consists of team manager and elite rider Olly Morris, elite rider Joe Breeden, junior rider Morgan Tyrrell and mechanic Andy Lund.

2019 marks Intense Racing UK’s third year on the circuit with PUSH Industries and Peaty’s being added to the team and Saddleback’s ranks. For those playing catch-up, the team was launched in 2017, after Saddleback really began to push into mountain biking with Intense and Troy Lee Designs joining ENVE and Chris King in the distributor’s stable of brands. At the time, the decision of how best to celebrate a growing MTB focus was easy.

“These brands are steeped in the sport’s racing history, From the signature peak of a TLD helmet and the aggressive SoCal lines of Intense bikes to the distinctive naked carbon of ENVE wheels, we wanted to do something that highlighted that racing pedigree while also giving back to the sport we love. A race team was the first thing that came to all our minds. We wanted to create a stepping stone development team that would prepare riders for the big step up to pro and give a real opportunity to achieve their racing goals. We’d support them to race at the highest national level and give them a taste of the World Cup scene.”—Declan Deehan, Saddleback marketing manager

Intense Racing UK was born and right from the off, the team riders got stuck into the racing and the results started to pour in with wins at British Nationals, national champs, EWS qualifiers, top 20s in World Cups and a second at the DH World Championships in Australia.

“Expectations were high and the team was getting noticed, so we must have been doing something right. In 2018 we had so many great riders request a spot on the team. It was a bit heart-breaking because there’s so much young talent out there on the UK scene and we wanted to help them all out – if we could, we would have given them all a chance. Team manager Olly Morris spends most of his time between runs speaking with racers’ Dads who’ve recognised the team’s professional setup and positive environment –we take that as a great compliment.”—Declan Deehan, Saddleback marketing manager

Going into year three, the team is focused around three riders. Team manager, elite rider and coach Olly Morris returns, bringing along his unique blend of laid-back focus and racing wisdom that provides the ideal mentorship for his younger charges. Joe Breeden is also back, racing elite and hungry for results after a catastrophic, knee-shattering landing put an end to his 2018 ambitions.

Finally, Morgan Tyrrell takes the team’s junior slot, the young rider’s dedication and patience are being rewarded with ever-growing composure and speed on the race course. Meanwhile, Andy Lund brings a wealth of experience as a top-drawer race mechanic who’s just as at home on the trails as in the pits.

“With the first British national done for 2019, the boys are hungry for another great season and showing signs of some serious pace. It’s not an easy sport to stay competitive in, or to stay injury free, pushing to get faster season after season. Hats off to all the racers out there that put it all on the line. We’re looking forward to a fast, competitive and fun season.”—Declan Deehan, Saddleback marketing manager

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saddlebacktv
Member since Dec 20, 2017
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11 Comments

14 1

tmwjr777 FL (Apr 19, 2019 at 5:46)

Intense frames, Push suspension, Chris KIng, Enve, TLD..... Wow! These guys will be on some SICK whips this season! Shit, wish I was on the team! LOL

lewispea (Apr 19, 2019 at 8:03)

Always had big respect for these guys after my brake lever blew a seal during a race they helped me out by fitting one of there spares for free!

Sladey (Apr 19, 2019 at 5:33)

Honestly can't wait to see what's in store for all 4 of these boys this year! Big season of worlds for the riders and Callum is just killlling it behind that lens.

si-paton (Apr 21, 2019 at 1:47)

Great group of riders, always super friendly, polite, respectful and happy! Plus Andy Lund their mechanic, one of only a handful of people that ever came to BDS dig days to help dig the tracks!

aps62 (Apr 19, 2019 at 5:20)

Cool video. I bloody loves Welsh DH'ing I do. Good to see you boys ripping at Rheola.

housem8d (Apr 19, 2019 at 7:49)

looks professional, I've always liked the UK intense team! good luck this season

blackpudding FL (Apr 19, 2019 at 5:32)

Looks like some team. I'm so ENVEous of them! I'll get my coat

Rubberelli (Apr 19, 2019 at 6:56)

Some insightful interviews about what it takes to make it at WC level. Good stuff.

RCederholm FL (Apr 19, 2019 at 10:14)

Killer video. Certainly one of the better team videos I have seen. I sure hope the Intense Factory Racing team puts out videos on par with this one this year.

bermdweller FL (Apr 19, 2019 at 8:20)

Great Stuff - keeping an eye out for you guys on the WC - best of luck

dicky1080 (Apr 19, 2019 at 18:47)

Nice film Saddleback. Greetings from Chile!