Just got a press release from GT to say they’ve signed Mick Hannah. But so did Mongoose on October 24th last year, check the story here.

Both Mongoose and GT and owned by the same company Pacific Cycles, so we’re guessing they’ve decided to run just one race team which will be GT.

Here’s the new official word:

GT Adds World-class Mountain Bike Riders to 2009 Roster

Bethel, Conn. – January 14, 2009– GT Bicycles today announced exciting new additions to the 2009 GT mountain bike team. The team will continue to be gravity-focused, adding Eric Carter, Mick Hannah and Andrew Cho to the GT roster. These three exceptional riders will help support GT’s 30-year race heritage.

“GT’s race legacy has been built on developing innovative products by leveraging pro athletes and incorporating them in product testing and development,” said Bruno Maier, Executive Vice President of Marketing for the Cannondale Sports Group. “With the new GT team riders, we will be able to get vital feedback and incorporate it into current and future platforms.”

Mountain biking legend Eric Carter, dubbed “EC”, is no stranger to standing at the top of the race podium and has collected his fair share of titles and wins over the years. EC has one World Cup Championship Title, two Overall World Cup Championship Titles and 11 National Championship wins– most recently winning his 11th National Dual Slalom Championship title in 2008. With his race experience and product knowledge, EC will be a valuable asset to the GT brand both on the course and off.

After his one-year leave from racing in 2008, Mick Hannah’s return will be turning heads during the 2009 season. In 2006, Mick won the World Cup race in Vigo, Spain. In 2007 Mick took 7th overall in the 2007 World Cup Series and 1st in the Sea Otter Dual Slalom. Mick’s superb racing skills will be complemented by the new GT Fury, which will be his race weapon of choice.

Andrew Cho is no stranger to big jumps, gaps, Red Bull events or freeride videos…Cho can throw down with the best. In his hometown of Whistler, British Columbia, Andrew can be seen getting rowdy in the MTB parks and will help to provide valuable product feedback for the GT brand.

The 2009 GT Mountain Bike Team includes:

MTB
Marc Beaumont (DH)
Kevin Aiello (DH)
Roger Rinderknecht (4X/BMX Race)
Luke Madill (4X/BMX Race)
Eric Carter – DS, 4X, DH
Mick Hannah – DH

GT add Eric Carter, Mick Hannah and Andrew Cho to the GT roster.