Julien Absalon (Orbea) claimed victory in La Bresse, France during the men’s pro cross country World Cup last Sunday. When a number of separate mishaps took out several favorites from the race Absalon wasted no time charging to the front and setting the pace high on the technical and aggressive descending course designed by his brother Remy. With his unrivaled XX group, RockShox SID, and Avid XX World Cup brakes beneath him, Absalon rode to his 25th career world cup victory. Second, third, and fourth went to SRAM XX riders Jaroslav Kulhavy (Specialized), Ralph Naef (Multivan Merida), and Florian Vogel (Swisspower). Naef and Vogel’s finishes secured them a spot on the Swiss Olympic Team.
SRAM XX saw a double victory during the women’s pro cross country event when Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Multivan Merida) attacked on the final descent to win her 27th career world cup.
World Cup cross country resumes June 23-24 in Mont Sainte Anne, Canada.