Leading mail-order specialist Chain Reaction Cycles has landed a major coup with the announcement today that it will sponsor the Intense Racing Team for 2008, with riders Chris Kovarik and Ruaridh Cunningham riding in the new colours.

The team, which also sees Julien Camellini and Brit Matt Simmonds on the squad, will compete in all 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. The first outing for the new team will be the Sea Otter Classic.

Clearly delighted at the news, Chain Reaction Cycles top man Michael Cowan 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 Chain Reaction Cycles.”

Management of the team will be handled by the vastly experienced Nigel Page, who 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.”

“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.”

It signals another season at the top for the Intense brand, well used to its bikes being the choice of many of the world's fastest riders. Intense President Jeff Steber says: “We are excited to be part of the new Chain Reaction Cycles (CRC) team. This is a great opportunity to have Intense frames under some of the top racers on the circuit. With long time Intense ambassador Nigel Page at the helm we are confident it will be a very successful venture and grow into one of the top teams in World Cup racing.”