Julien Absalon

Sport: Cycling

Nation: France

DOB: August 16, 1980

Hometown: Remiremont

Career Highlights: It is no surprise the only two-time defending Olympic gold medal mountain biker is the favorite in London. Absalon won four straight world championships from 2004-2007 and captured his first Olympic gold in 2004 when he beat Spain’s Jose Antonio Hermida by 1 minute in Athens. Four years later in Beijing, Absalon defended his title in a time of 1:55.59. Claiming a third straight gold is very possible after the French star led from start to finish during a test event on the London Olympic course in August 2011. He won the race by 1:20 over Switzerland’s Christoph Sauser. A bronze medalist at the 2011 worlds, Absalon earned a world cup victory in April at the prestigious Houffalize mountain bike event just months after he broke his thumb while training. Nicknamed “Juju," Absalon rides for the successful Spanish team Orbea. A victory by Absalon in London would mark the fourth consecutive Olympic mountain bike gold medal for France after Miguel Martinez won the event at the 2000 Games in Sydney.

Olympic History: 2008,2004