2017 marks the year where the IJ Racing – Intense Team, the first and only UCI DH Team in Latin America, is born. With the support of Intense Cycles Colombia, Intense Cycles INC, IJ Racing, Chiguiro Extremo, Alcaldía de Manizales, Maxxis Colombia, Nelson Maldonado, Defiant Racing and Danny´s Cycles.
Besides continuing with the best brands and support, the IJ Racing – Intense Team is formed with young and very talented riders as well as experienced and passionate personnel. The team is led by recently crowned Elite Panamerican Champion Rafael Gutierrez (COL), 2nd Latin American rider on the UCI Ranking. Steven Ceballos (COL) first-year Elite, top ten Junior at the Lourdes World Cup last year and recent Elite Bronze medalist at the Panamerican Championships. David Kahn (USA) actual USA Cadet National Champion and first year racing abroad. Camilo Sanchez (COL), also recently crowned Cadet Panamerican Champion and regular top five in the National Series. Last but not least, Daniel Algarra (SPA), with podiums at Junior World Cups and top five in the Spanish rankings.
Camilo Sanchez, Rafael Gutierrez and Steven Ceballos will be rocking the M16c.
Daniel Algarra
David Kahn
Behind the scenes, the people that make this program run are Jorge Mario Jaramillo a.k.a. Chiguiro, co-founder/manager in Colombia. Andres Jaramillo, photographer/PR. Lluis Mestieri, logistics/mechanic and finally Ivan Jimenez, founder, Team Manager and Mechanic.
Rafael Gutierrez crossing the finish line to be crowned 2017 Panamerican Champion.
The season has already started, with amazing results for all; Rafael and Camilo won the Panamerican Championship and both lead the National Series, Steven was 3rd at Panamerican Championship and is 2nd in the National Series. David with a top three at the Windrock ProGRT in Windrock. Daniel, who is coming off a 2016 plagued with injury got a Top 15 at Sant Andreu de la Barca National.
Final meters of the track for Camilo Salazar to win the Cadet Panamerican Championship gold medal.
Steven Ceballos at the Panamerican Championship getting third place on his first year as an Elite.
Now all the work and sacrifice made by all face bigger challenges, being the most important MTB World Cup, which starts in Lourdes, France this same month.
We would like to thank everyone for your time. Stay tuned on our social media and if you happen to be around at the World Cups or other races, come say hi, we´ll be glad to meet you.
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