Winner of the Kelly McGarry Spirit award and all-round wildman Conor MacFarlane has just signed with Intense for the 2017 season.

The Kiwi rider shot to prominence in his two years on Knolly at Fest Series events but decided to switch it up by riding for the brand that made his first ever  DH bike.

MacFarlane said: “I‘m stoked to be riding for a brand that has a history like Intense does, making some of the most progressive bikes out there, and helping out a bunch of household names within biking circles. 

“Riding for Intense is coming full circle for me; my first DH bike was an Intense nine years ago, so it’s cool to go back to where it started. Talking about back where it started, I’m also stoked to be riding for a brand which Matt at Wide Open Distributors distributes into New Zealand. He is the first sponsor I got and I wouldn’t be where I am today without his help”

Expect to see Conor going big at the Fest Series, Rampage and select EWS events this year.

Jenn Gabrielli, of Intense, said: “His riding style and his positive approach to all different aspects of riding really set him apart, and we believe his best is yet to come. Super stoked to have him on Intense.”