Kintner and Binggeli Take MTB Downhill National Titles in N.C.

BEECH MOUNTAIN, N.C. (ST) — The downhill national championships concluded this past weekend on a muddy, rock-laden course here in front of an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 400 spectators. In the men’s pro division, Logan Binggeli (KHS Bicycles) took his first stars-and-stripes jersey by almost four seconds over Aaron Gwin (Trek World Racing).

“It means everything. Everything has now paid off since I’ve gotten on a bicycle.” Binggeli said of winning his first national title. “It’s a dream come true. Titles are what you train for and to finally have one … I’m super pumped.”

Mitch Ropelato (SPS North America), who earned bronze in the downhill event, topped the men’s pro dual slalom podium Saturday.

“The fans were good,” Ropelato said of the many fans that flocked to watch. “They’re exciting. They kept us going real fast all day.” Ropelato beat second-place Neko Mulally (Trek World Racing) by nearly four seconds and Cody Kelley finished third.

Jill Kintner (RedBull-Transition Racing) won her second national title in the downhill event by beating Sedona, Arizona-native Jacqueline Harmony by nearly three seconds. Jamie Rees (The Bike Hub) took the bronze, 24 seconds back. Kintner also took the gold medal in Saturday’s dual-slalom event.

“It means a lot,” Kintner said of winning both gold medals. “I’m a little bit sick, but I’ve been feeling really good riding my bike.”

Neko Mulally also took the overall in the junior men’s 17-18 downhill competition, besting second-place Austin Warren (Alpine, Calif.) by 11 seconds. Neko’s younger brother, Logan Mulally earned the gold medal among junior men 15-16, ripping silver medalist Damon Morin by almost eight seconds. Luca Shaw finished third.

FILED UNDER: News TAGS: USAC National Gravity Championships