INTENSE Factory Racing Partners with EXT Suspension: A New Era in Downhill MTB
Intense Factory Racing (IFR) is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with EXT Suspension, a collaboration set to redefine the limits of downhill mountain bike performance. If you caught Mille Johnset’s rider announcement last week, you might have noticed something special about her Intense M1—a cutting-edge suspension platform from EXT designed to push the boundaries of MTB racing.
One of the standout features of this collaboration is the all-new EXT Vaia fork. While upside-down forks are common in motocross, they are rare in mountain biking. However, EXT and IFR believe this is about to change. The Vaia fork introduces groundbreaking innovations, including sliding bushes that allow the fork to flex without binding or causing friction—an achievement not seen before in downhill MTB suspension.
Joe Breeden, IFR racer and team owner, couldn’t be more thrilled about the partnership. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our shared values—innovation and dedication to providing riders with the absolute best equipment. By combining EXT’s renowned shocks, their revolutionary Vaia DH fork, and our race-proven Intense M1 platform, I believe we’ve found a competitive edge. Let’s go racing, baby!” His enthusiasm reflects the collective excitement at IFR about what this partnership will bring to the team and the sport.
Franco Fratton, Technical Director at Extreme Shox, shares this sentiment, emphasizing how natural this partnership feels for both brands. “We are thrilled to see Extreme Shox competing once again at the highest levels of international downhill racing. The Intense Factory Racing Team’s vision immediately impressed us, and we knew we had found the right partner. Together, we’re committed to taking suspension performance to the next level and giving riders the confidence they need to excel.” Fratton’s dedication underscores EXT’s commitment to pushing the limits of performance and reliability in downhill racing.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see this groundbreaking technology in action. The Intense M1, equipped with the new EXT suspension, will debut at Red Bull Hardline Tasmania this February. The IFR team is prepared to push the new setup to its limits before its official launch on the 2025 World Cup DH circuit. For an exclusive look at how the early tests went, check out our behind-the-scenes footage from Llangollen, where the team put the new platform through its paces.
This partnership between IFR and EXT Suspension signals a bold new chapter for both brands. With innovative technology and shared values driving them forward, the future of downhill racing just got a whole lot more exciting. Whether you’re a fan of cutting-edge tech or love the thrill of MTB racing, this collaboration is one to watch.