Kintner, GT parting ways

By Fred Dreier

GT Bicycles will not hire back Jill Kintner, the Olympic bronze medalist in BMX, for 2009. Kintner, 26, signed with the Madison, Wisconsin-based bicycle manufacturer at the onset of the 2006 season to race Four cross. During her three years with GT, the Seattle native won two national and two world championships titles as well as the 2006 World Cup overall in that discipline.

In 2007 Kintner turned her focus toward BMX racing in preparation for the upcoming Beijing Olympics. In August Kintner claimed Bronze in Beijing.

“Jill Kintner is a talented cyclist and has had an exceptional and distinguished cycling career. GT Bicycles is proud to have had her as part of our team for the past three years,” read a statement from GT. “Due to a change in the sports marketing direction, GT Bicycles is not re-signing Jill for the 2009 season. We wish Jill all the best in her future endeavors.”

GT is also letting go of its premier male downhiller, Australian Bryn Atkinson, Kintner’s longtime partner. Atkinson won the 2007 U.S. Open of mountain biking in Vernon, New Jersey, and is a four time member of the Australian national team.

Kintner announced the news on her personal website.

“It’s been a good ride, but not it’s time for the next chapter — Anyone interested?” Kintner wrote.

FILED UNDER: Mountain