October 10/09 10:20 am - Absalon Renews with Orbea

Posted by Editoress on 10/10/09
 

The double Olympic champion in mountain biking (cross country), Julien Absalon, has decided to continue with his current team, Orbea, for three additional years, until the London 2012 Olympics.

"I am with Orbea for three years and I want to continue with them, I re-signed for three more years, and even a little more," said the 29 year old Frenchman, this Friday at the Roc d'Azur - the annual festival mountain biking in Fréjus, France.

"The London Olympics are the big goal," said Absalon, who won the Olympic title in Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008). "I do not project beyond because I do not know what will be my mindset at that time. With Orbea I can continue as a rider or start a conversion. But for now, I am motivated by racing."

For the silver medalist of the 2009 World Championship, the 2010 goal will be to regain the world title: "It will be at Mont Sainte-Anne (Canada), my favorite track. This is where I became a first time world champion in Juniors in 1998. Twelve years later, it would be great again."

Absalon has the best track record in the history of mountain biking, with two Olympic titles, four world titles in the senior category (2004 to 2007) and five World Cup titles, the last this year.

After the the Roc d'Azur, he plans to participate in some cyclo-cross events during the winter. "Regionally, to maintain the condition".

"Never change a winning formula," summed up Julian Absalon to explain his decision to remain faithful to the Spanish manufacturer. Which he plans to do with other personal partners: "It's done or about to be done."

In other news: 

 - Orbea will need to find a new sponsor to replace wheelmaker Fulcrum, whom it is rumoured to be in financial troubles and will withdraw from all sponsorship of teams.

- 2009 Bronze medalist in the Women's U23 XC has signed a 3 year contract with BH-Suntour