Catching Up With 2012 DRD/Intense

Escondido, CA – The ‘DRD Intense’ factory mountain bike team has had a great launch to the 2012 season!   Arguably one of the top American teams on the circuit, the DRD program is constantly evolving into a powerhouse on any race circuit!  The DRD Intense team recently finished a west coast swing of major American races.  The following recap will bring you all up to speed on our team’s development this beginning part of the year!

SEA OTTER CLASSIC – Monterey, CA

As the first major event of the season, the Sea Otter Classic brings together the entire cycling community in an outdoor expo & festival type atmosphere.  The DRD Intense team had a strong presence both on and off the track.  With a new trailer & awning, fresh new colors, and some great new sponsors, we were definitely one of the hottest teams around!

CHECK OUT THE DRD INTENSE Sea Otter Classic Video!

Team DRD/Intense Mission#1: Sea Otter - More Mountain Bike Videos

Dual Slalom

The Warren Brothers, Cody & Austin, both had a stellar day in dual slalom, both qualifying in the top 15 out of over a hundred racers!  After some tight races, Cody would finish in at 11^th, while younger brother Austin would finish in 13^th.

“The track was a lot of fun,” exclaimed Austin Warren!  “I was just getting used to it when I went against Mick Hannah in the 2^nd round (Hannah is a perennial favorite to win at Sea Otter).  I was stoked to get past the first round in my first year as pro & into the round of 16.  It’s a great learning experience & I can’t wait for next year!”

Downhill

Sea Otter’s downhill track is notoriously pedally & riddled with obstacles & jumps.  This made for a hard & competitive course, despite being tamer than a typical downhill race track. 

“I had a pretty descent run,” stated Cody Warren.  “I’m pumped on what I was able to accomplish despite not being the strongest pedaler on the day.  I gave it what I had and am happy with it,… but I’m gonna come back stronger next year!”

DRD Intense’s day would be bitter sweet as Cody Warren charged his way into 14^th place, while Jason  Memmelaar rode in at 48^th spot, & Austin Warren crashed on a huge hip jump (where another rider was knocked out).   Despite the bitter sweet results, our team had a great race, great presence & a great kick off to the 2012 season!

US GRAND PRIX of MTB – Port Angeles, WA

CHECK OUT THE DRD INTENSE MTB GP Port Angeles Video!

Team DRD/Intense #2: Port Angeles - More Mountain Bike Videos

The first round of the US Grand Prix was definitely a true test to the team’s dedication & commitment to our race program as this was our first real test on a true downhill track against some of the fiercest competition of the year. Despite threatening weather, the event turned out to be a tremendous success! 

Austin Warren took the top spot amongst team riders as he charged his way into 24^th.  “I had a solid run,” said Austin.  “But kept thinking to myself ‘am I pedaling enough??’ so I started charging harder.  Thankfully I didn’t crash.  I was worried since I wrecked hard at Sea Otter.  I’m learning though … & getting a lot better. I’m pumped!”

Lauren Daney, recent roster addition, took the team with ease as she raced her brand new DRD Intense 951 with little setback to a respectable 11^th place finish.   Teammate Cody Warren had a bit of a set back early on in practice as he sustained injuries to his ankles & split his chin while trying to avoid another rider casing a jump ahead of him.  Unfortunately this injury took a toll come race day. 

CALIFORNIA GOLDEN CUP – Fontana, California

The ‘BIKE VAULT’ pro team (DRD’s satellite program) took part in the final round of the California Golden Cup this past weekend.  Team leader David KlaassenVanOorschot returned to racing in force, after sustaining broken ribs at the first round in late March.  Despite so much time off the bike, David K rode his way to a 3^rd place finish!

The DRD Intense race program will spend the next few weeks training before heading to the east coast for the 2^nd & 3 round of the US Grand Prix of Mountain Biking, as well as two World Cups & the US National Championships.

DRD Intense is proudly supported by the following sponsors…

• Dean Racing Development
• Intense Cycles
• ARMA Energy
• ONE Industries
• Shimano
• ODI Grips
• Sun-Ringle
• Marzocchi Suspension
• MRP
• SDG Components
• Maxmia Racing Oils
• SOL Republic
• the Bike Vault Bike Shop