Major news here. Nige Page has finally got it all together and produced his ‘dream downhill team’ for 2008. Hooking up with internet giant ChainReactionCycles and Intense bikes he has brought together some of the biggest names in the sport of DH. Where to start? Firstly he has long term friend, and long term Intense, rider Chris Kovarik. It was no secret that Kovarik has been a little unhappy over the past few seasons with his team set up, so hopefully we will see a return to form for the Australian. Next I guess would be Junior World Champion Ruaridh Cunningham. There have been all sorts of rumours circulating recently about where the young Scot would end up, well the ChainReactionCycles/Intense Racing team is where he will be. Julian Camellini is also in there along with British racing ace Matt Simmonds. Both of those final members of the team are capable of big results.

Great news for everyone involved. Here’s the full Press Release…

We are pleased to announce the New ChainReactionCycles/Intense Racing Team for 2008

The team will consist of long standing Intense rider Chris Kovarik (Australia), World Junior DH Champion – Ruaridh Cunningham (Scotland), Julien Camellini (France) and Matt Simmonds (England). We will be competing in all the major events including the UCI World Cup Series and hopefully the World Championships, as well as selected British NPS, French Cup and Avalanche Trophy races. Our first race as a team will be the Sea Otter Classic.

Nigel Page team manager says:

“I am very excited about this new team and my role as team manager. Chain Reaction Cycles have shown great vision to back a world beating DH team. This team will take the Chain Reaction Cycles name to the pinnacle of our sport and give them media coverage throughout the World.

My long relationship with Intense has been key to putting this team together and I am very pleased that we will be using the M6 frame.

I could not have wished for a better group of riders and I am confident that my experience as a rider/racer will help us get the best out of this great team. Chris was an obvious choice as he was ready for a team change but wanted to continue riding an Intense – his experience will also help the young riders. Ruaridh, Julien and Matt have shown that they are all very fast. Within this team they will be able to continue their development and I am confident there will be many podiums for ChainReactionCycles/Intense”.

Michael Cowan from ChainReactionCycles says:
”At Chain Reaction Cycles we have always tried to be the best at what we do. To have some of the best riders in world, managed by the Masters World Champion, on board the best DH bikes in the world and set to be racing at the pinnacle of off road cycling is a dream come true for everyone at ChainReactionCycles.”

Chris Kovarik says:

“After a rough last season, I’m hungrier than ever. I’m stoked to have ChainReactionCycles backing me in ’08 and to start fresh on a new team while still riding Intense bikes. I’m looking forward to getting back on that podium next year. ”

Julien Camellini says:

“Riding for ChainReactionCycles/Intense is a great opportunity for me. I’ve always dreamt to ride on an Intense bike and the new M6 looks awesome. Nigel’s experience is going to be helpful on the races. I’m really looking forward to start training on the bike with the other guys.”

Matt Simmonds says:

“To be joining Team ChainReactionCycles/Intense is a step in the right direction for me. Having team mate Chris Kovarik and team manager Nigel Page is going to be a great help towards achieving my goals. I am really excited about racing onboard my new Intense M6 and with the backing from ChainReactionCycles things couldn’t be any better. Bring on 2008!”

Ruaridh Cunningham says:

“I’m really looking forward to riding for ChainReactionCycles/Intense in 2008. It’s a big step up to elite for me next year so I’m stoked to be riding a good bike for a high profile team in my first year of racing professionally. I’m looking forward to racing alongside my new team mates and I’m sure it will be an awesome year.”

The team will be using:

Intense Frames, Manitou Forks, Cane Creek Double Barrel shocks, Hayes Brakes, Sun Wheels, Royal Race gear, Maxxis tires, 661 Protection, E13, and Bergtec components.

The teams training:

During the season the ChainReactionCycles/IntenseRacing Team will be based just outside Morzine. The riders will have their own Chalet as a base (care of winterandsummer.com) between races which will be great for training when they have any time off from the busy race schedule. This will also be a great place for any team photo shoots and testing of new products on the bikes.

The rest of our sponsors will be announced very shortly.

2008 CHAINREACTIONCYCLES/INTENSE RACING TEAM