26 Jan 2017

CONOR MACFARLANE LEAVES KNOLLY, SIGNS FOR INTENSE

 

Three years ago we got a call from factory team rider, Garett Buehler. Garett was stoked about his year and wanted to chat about media he planned for 2015 including a trip to New Zealand to film and ride with Conor. “Duuude, you gotta sponsor Conor. He’s a serious bad ass.” Knowing Garett’s ability to judge talent we needed to listen and started chatting with Conor which led to his first factory deal in 2015. Conor didn’t disappoint having a great year and partnered with Garett they released an awesome video.

Conor is the real deal. Super talented, down to earth, positive attitude and incredibly professional. Going into 2016 he was shaping up to be a freeride superstar so it was easy to continue working with him extending his contract.

 

Two years riding for the brand Conor not only did a fantastic job but reminded us how versatile, durable and sophisticated the bikes are as he pushed his limits. This was shown at the 2016 edition of Red Bull Rampage where he went to battle with the desert in our sport’s most notable contest securing votes from his colleagues to win the first every Kelly McGarry Spirit award. Conor has developed quickly driven by hard work and a great attitude so it is no surprise that he attracted opportunities that suited his development and provided him with greater support. As such we are saying farewell to Conor as he moves on from Knolly Bikes in 2017. 

“I’m very grateful for what Knolly have done for me, picking me up and helping play a role in turning me into the rider I am today. To ride for a company which makes solid bikes and lets you do what you think is right for you with no pressure is all you can ask for really so I’m stoked on the time I got to spend with Knolly, cheers guys!” – Conor Macfarlane 

 

 

Intense Cycles is excited to announce the signing of Conor Macfarlane as part of their global athlete program. Based in Queenstown, New Zealand, Conor is well known for his exploits as a freeride athlete and also competes at select EWS Enduro, Crankworx World Tour and DH events such as the Loosefest series. 

I’m stoked to be riding for a brand that has a history like Intense does, making some of the most progressive bikes out there, and helping out a bunch of athletes which were, and still are, household names within biking circles,” Macfarlane said about the news. ”Riding for Intense is coming full circle for me; my first DH bike was an Intense nine years ago, so it’s cool to go back to where it started. Talking about back where it started, I’m also stoked to be riding for a brand which Matt at Wide Open Distributors distributes into New Zealand. He is the first sponsor I got and I wouldn’t be where I am today without his help, so cheers.

Conor will be running FSA Gradient/Grid cockpit, cranks and Afterburner Disc Brakes during this 2017 season.

Courtesy of Pinkbike.com for article content