A couple of weeks ago it was made known Shaun Palmer was testing at the Sol Vista Mountain Bike Park in Granby, Colorado, and will be racing in the U.S. National Championships there July 16-19. Today, Palmer was testing with Intense Cycles at the Southridge USA downhill course in Fontana, California. He was riding a SRAM-equipped Intense 951 downhill bike, and did two practice runs in today’s blazing heat.
Photo: Intense Cycles
“It’s kind of like we’ve all come full-circle,” says Intense Cycles president Jeff Steber. “Back in 1994, Palmer, Randy Lawrence, Mike Metzger and I did a lot of development on the original M1 out here in Fontana.”
Photo: Intense Cycles
Shaun’s comeback to elite downhill racing will focus on a few select events in the remaining 2009 season. “So far, Shaun wants to do the Sol Vista race, the two Canadian World Cups, and Crankworx,” explains Steber. “He is all about having fun on his bike, and after few races he feels he can be up to speed. His ultimate goal is qualifying for the 2010 Winter Olympics in boardercross, and he’s using downhill racing as a fun way to get in shape.”
Photo: Intense Cycles
Although out of downhill racing for nearly a decade, Palmer remains one the most recognizable American downhill racers today. “Shaun is marketed in a certain way, but what a lot of people don’t know is how good he is at providing feedback during testing,” says Steber. “He knows what works on a bike and what doesn’t, and will work until it feels right.”
Photo: Intense Cycles
Look for Palmer to be aboard an Intense at his upcoming races, pitting out of the SRAM tent at the Canadian World Cups.
Expect an official Palmer and Intense “reunion” announcement in coming days.
Wow!! I always liked what Shaun brought to the sport back in the 90's. I am sure he is as fit as anyone out there and still has those natural skills. Hopefully, I will never have to race him in Super-D because second place is no fun!! Good Luck to You Shaun, hope your races go well. -Eric Bierman stevenksd.com
