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

2012 US GRAND PRIX IN PORT ANGELES, WA

More Mountain Biking Videos

Escondido, California – The first round of the 2012 US Grand Prix of Mountain Biking kicked off in Port Angeles, WA on April 29 with overwhelming success as Steve Smith (Devinci Global Racing) and Jill Kintner (Team Norco International) took top honors over an extremely deep international field!  

The NW Cup in Port Angeles provided an excellent venue for the inaugural MTB GP event, as world-class mountain bike racers took advantage of some of the best tracks that the pacific-northwest has to offer.  Although the weather threatened to dampen the spirits of the record number participants & spectators, the US saw what could be one of the most exciting races of the 2012 season!  

In the women’s field, American Jill Kintner took top honors over Canadian Mirranda Miller (Santa Cruz / Sram) & fellow American Holly Feniak (GoPro / Cove / Shimano).

Pro women’s winner Jill Kintner stated, “How good is this scene here? It’s awesome!  It’s like a world cup today!  It was a fun track to ride.  I had a great time!”

Canadian Steve Smith took the win in the pro men’s field just ahead of American Aaron Gwin (Trek World Racing), & Australia’s Mick Hannah (Hutchinson United Ride).

“It went super smooth, the track was sick!  I was stressing a bit because there was a bit of mud at the top, but it was nothing, super fast… killed it” said pro men’s winner Steve Smith!

Congratulations to all competitors and special thanks to the great guys from the NW Cup!  The MTB GP heads east to Sugarbush Resort in Warren, Vermont on June 15-17.

Event photos can be found on our Facebook photo page.    Follow us on Twitter at @MTBGP or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/USMTBGP

PRO MEN RESULTS
1.  Steve Smith  2:30:69
2.  Aaron Gwin  2:32:43
3.  Mick Hannah  2:33:57
4.  Josh Bryceland  2:33:92
5.  Neko Mulally  2:34:73

PRO WOMEN RESULTS
1.  Jill Kintner  2:54:70
2.  Miranda Miller  2:56:79
3.  Holly Frank  2:57:28
4.  Joanna Petterson  3:09:21
5.  Katie Holden  3:10:94

2012 US GP 1 AT Port Angeles results

DH Results Overall Results 2 Complete

Plattekill Bike Park Presents The Third Annual Pro GRT Fox Racing Shox Gravity Open

Plattekill Bike Park is proud to present the Third Annual Pro GRT Fox Racing Shox Gravity Open. This year the Fox Racing Shox Gravity Open moves to Memorial Day weekend, May 24-28, 2012. The race will be the third stop of the USA Cycling ProGRT National Series and will offer double series points in the POC Eastern States Cup Regional Championship Series. The ProGRT is the most prestigious downhill mountain bike racing series in North America. The POC Eastern States Cup is the richest, largest and fastest growing series in the nation. This combination event is aimed at riders and racers of all abilities.

Top domestic and international professional riders including many World Cup stars will be competing at Plattekill to test their skills on one of the best downhill mountain bike courses in the United States. This year Plattekill is featuring a classic track on the steep North Face side of the bike park. The course has steep chutes, berms and some big gap jumps at the finish.

Plattekill doubled the Pro GRT Purse and is offering a $5000 pro purse and some great prizes for amateurs. The race is a USAC qualifier for selection to the World Championship Team, so the pros will be really going for the win. Practice will open Thursday, qualifying is on Saturday and the race will be held on Sunday. Plattekill Bike Park will remain open thru Monday and will be open for freeriding every day of the event. Plattekill will run two lifts for complete access to their trail system.

Since 1974, FOX RACING SHOX has been the industry leader in the design and development of the highest performance shock absorbers and racing suspension products for snowmobiles, mountain bikes, motorcycles, ATVs and off-road cars and trucks.

The POC Eastern States Cup was founded in 2010 as a USA Cycling Eastern Regional Championship Series and featured two USA Cycling State Championships. This proved to be a popular formula with racers and venues. In 2011 the series grew, offering the USAC Regional and three state championships. The 2012 POC Eastern States Cup will feature 5 USAC State Championships and the Eastern Regional Championship at 8 great venues. 2012 and the future indeed look bright for the series and the racers in the East.

Plattekill is located in Roxbury, NY. The bike park has been hosting downhill mountain bike racing since 1993. The trails are endless and offer something for riders of all abilities. The fall line trail sections are quite steep and the natural terrain offers loose shale with large rock drops. Plattekill Bike Park uses two lifts accessing two distinct peak areas. Lift attendants place your bikes on the chair for the ride up. The base lodge offers a cafeteria, bike shop and restrooms. On the deck great burgers and refreshments will be available. Plattekill will be open Thursday thru Monday for riding and practicing.

Race Fee’s:

$65 Cat1(expert) and Cat2(sport) and Cat3(beginner)    

$95 USAC Pro         

All Race Fees Include Saturday AND Sunday Lift Tickets!!!

Thurs, Fri and Mon Lift Tickets are $20 per day with race entry.

($15 discount from our regular tickets)

Schedule:

Registration: 9-4 Friday – Saturday and 8- 9 Sunday

Double Chair Practice and Freeriding DH  10-4 Thursday - Friday,  8-4 Saturday, 8-11 Sunday

Triple Chair open 10-4 Saturday and Sunday

Saturday Seeding Run DH

Pro and Cat 1 Juniors 4:00pm

Sunday Race DH

Cat2-3                12:00pm

Cat1                    1:30 pm

Pro                      2:30 pm

Pit Fee’s: 10x10=$100     20x10=200     20x20=$300     20x40= $400  

Reserve spaces early. No e-z ups/tents will be allowed in the top two lots without reserved pit space, NO exceptions. The Reserved pit area will be patrolled throughout the event.

Camping: The third lot will feature primitive camping. Camping will cost $10 per night for a 12x20 space including your vehicle. Porta poties will be available. Water will be available in the Base Lodge.

No Electric will be available. Generators are allowed until 10pm.

Special Parking restrictions will be enforced

Pre Registration, Lodging and more info: links can be found on our site www.plattekill.com

Projekt Roam Silver Star Resort

The winter months are slowly beginning to fade into a distant memory as fresh new growth emblazons the surrounding
landscapes. The signs of spring help to revitalize our senses. The daylight hours seem to stretch moments longer with
each passing day. The warmth of the sun's beams are now finding more success in warding off any lingering chill in
the air. With new life imploding around us, how can we not yearn for the endless days of summer and shredding bike
parks?

Busy day in and day out throughout the winter, we held on to our Silver Star film footage. Now, in the clutches of
spring fever, we've put together our Silver Star Bike Park edit in hopes of getting fellow riders amped for summer
biking season.


With an early bonus weekend of June 23 & 24 and opening full-time on June 29, 2012, Silver Star Resort offers lift
accessed, progressive trails, no crowds, crisp, alpine-scented air, expansive views; what more could a rider ask for?


What can I say about Silver Star Bike Park? Every time I've visited has truly been an enjoyable experience. You're
always welcomed with a relaxed vibe due to the carefree spirit which seems to encompass the patrons and employees
alike.


Just strolling about the resort village never seems to fail in bringing a smile to anyone's face with the palate of Day-Glo
colored buildings animating the immediate mountain skyline along with full suspension bikes sprawled throughout the
grass quad in the village center. Just past this, lying await in the background, is the perfect playground for a mountain
biker.


Twisting tracks ramble through thickets of evergreens only to burst forth at times into expanses of flowering meadows.
Everywhere in between a rider can happen upon mellow, roving trails, rocky, technical descents, or jump lines ranging
in size and skill requirement.


It's a splendid place to go and explore different trails and features, ideal for honing biking skills at any level.


It's pretty awesome to be able to go out and shred groomed trails down a huge mountain, and once you have reached
the bottom, to just be able to hop on a lift and go do it all over again. Rad. Similar to any avid bicyclist, I can only
but meagerly attempt to describe in a jumble of sentences how it is to ride an area. So on a parting note, I want to
encourage everyone to go out and make their own story.

Projekt Roam was founded by Colt and Jessee Maule in 2010. It has been our mission to travel North America in
search of places that celebrate the unparalleled beauty and freedom of not only the bike, but the terrain we ride as
well. Plan your own trip to Silver Star Resort and check out more photos, film, and riding locations throughout North
America at www.gravityrideguide.com



Thanks to our sponsors for some great product and to all of our new friends who have helped us out along the way, ride
on.
MTB Rider/Words: Jessee Maule Photos/Film: Colt Maule

PROJEKT ROAM: Silver Star Resort from projekt roam on Vimeo.

Busy day in and day out throughout the winter, Projekt Roam held on to their Silver Star film footage. Now, in the clutches of spring fever, Projekt Roam has put together their Silver Star Bike Park edit in hopes of getting fellow riders amped for summer biking season. Silver Star offers lift accessed, progressive trails, no crowds, crisp, alpine-scented air, expansive views; what more could a rider ask for?
For more info, please visit www.gravityrideguide.com

For more work by Projekt Roam:
www.projektroam.com
www.gravityrideguide.com
www.facebook.com/projektroam

Stay tuned for Chasing Gravity: Episode 4 coming soon!!

Flawless Win For Steve Smith At USGP 1

Stevie qualifies first and finishes first | Port Angeles, Washington—Devinci Global Racing’s Steve Smith has ridden to his first win of the 2012 season at round #1 of the US Grand Prix, solidifying his 1st place qualifier. Junior shredder Mark Wallace rode his 1007 plate number to impressive 10th in his first pro race in stacked field. 

“This great result comes at a great time; less than a month before we head to Europe for the next World Cup's. This is the first reward for all the work Steve put in this offseason and is a great confidence booster, I am fired up."- Gabe Fox, Team Manager 

The opening round of the US Grand Prix drew an impressive International field due to it close scheduling to the Sea Otter Classic held the previous weekend in California. With the two-month break between rounds of the World Cup the event lived up to all expectations. Saturday’s qualifier saw the top ten of the World Cup worthy field cram into six seconds with Steve qualifying first ahead of Josh Bryceland of the UK. 

Race day saw riders exchange places until 6th place qualifier and 2011 World Cup Overall winner Aaron Gwinn set the first podium worthy time. He remained in the hot seat until the last rider of the day; Stevie crossed the line besting his time by close to two seconds.

“The track was amazing, the dirt was insanely grippy and you couldn’t go too fast. The Wilson felt like it was on rails; it was great to get a win. I was a little nervous after qualifying first, but happy to back it up.”- Steve Smith 

Over the Atlantic, IXS Cup results were also in from Monte Tamaro. Nick Beer finished 4th and Gianluca Vernassa took the junior win, Results were based on Saturday’s qualifying as the final was cancelled due to fog. 

Devinci Global Racing is proudly supported by: Cycles Devinci, SRAM, RockShox, Avid, Truvativ, Easton Wheels, Schwalbe, E-Thirteen, ODI, and Fox Head Clothing. 

Cycles Devinci is a Canadian bicycle manufacturer based in Chicoutimi, Canada. It has led the industry by way of manufacturing expertise and product development since its inception in 1987. Cycles Devinci continues to forge ahead with suspension guru Dave Weagle’s patented Split Pivot suspension platform. Combined with the company’s Axis Technologies, Devinci is set on a path for domination. For more details on Devinci and DGR, visit devinci.com