March 8, 2005

 

Julien Absalon, Olympic Cross Country champion in Athens and current World champion, is the star of this MTB race season. The 24-year-old French captain of Bianchi-Agos resolutely aims at the World Championships in Livigno but hopes to perform well already in the World Cup events.

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What has changed in Absalon’s life since the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens to today?

A lot of things have changed, I can’t deny it. In the past I was barely known even by MTB fans, today I’m regarded as a VIP–in France at least. My victories in the Olympic Games and in the World Championships attracted the attention of people, even of those who don’t know cross country cycling. The Olympic medal is indeed of immense value.

 

Has such great attention amazed you?

A little bit. I knew that the Olympic medal would increase my fame but didn’t expect to such a point. It is true that any activity deserves hard training: the “job” of being famous too. Invitations, television programmes, prizes, or simply the fact that people recognized you in the street; and my phone doesn’t stop ringing... However, the same old Julien is still there in the middle of this chaotic situation: a simple man and an athlete who isn’t going to let his mind wander while riding.

 

From the stage to the cross country ground...

Of course, that is my “natural habitat” and I’m looking forward to being back. In truth, I’ve never left it: I’ve been training hard in the last months. I’ve always planned precisely my training, recording technical data and performances before processing them with my PC.

 

How is the daily timetable of a young champion?

Well, I usually wake up at about 7.45. After having breakfast and checking my e-mail, I start training. My training section lasts two up to five hours, following the daily program. I have some spare-time sometime in the afternoon for my favourite hobby: motocross.

 

Which are your main goals in 2005?

First of all the World Championships in Livigno. It’s specially appealing to me because it will be held in Italy and I would like to give Bianchi a World victory on home turf as a present. The European World Cup events follow. Riding for Bianchi is incredibly exciting: what pleases me the most is the big number of champions who won thanks to a Bianchi bike before me. I’m honored to be a part of this fantastic adventure.

 

When will your fans first get to see you this year?

On 24 April, in Spa Francorchamps.

 

Any news on this year’s bike?

The bike I’m riding is a celebration of the Olympic gold medal. The frame is the Oetzi alu model and has a beautiful gold color. The tubes are in triple butted alloy and the Structural Foam Injection increases the frame resistance to fatigue. In other words, it’s a jewel of technology and reliability. Undertaking an MTB event is a tough task: you must rely on your energy and the performances of your bike. That’s just what Bianchi Oetzi guarantees for you.

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