The double Olympic champion Julien Absalon signs with Origine after more than a decade with BMC

Julien Absalon is once again a protagonist in the mountain bike scene, this time outside of pure competition. The Frenchman has announced his incorporation to Origine, putting an end to a long relationship with BMC that lasted more than ten years at different stages of his career.

Julien Absalon begins a new chapter with Origine after more than a decade linked to BMC

Absalon's connection with the Swiss brand began in 2012 after his departure from Orbea and remained even after his retirement in 2018. During that time, he not only competed at the highest level but also led his own team and later served as an ambassador, consolidating a close relationship with the brand. Now, the double Olympic champion, five-time elite XCO world champion, and the second most decorated rider in the history of the World Cup with 33 victories opens a new chapter.

His arrival at Origine is not a minor move. The French brand, founded in 2012, has been gaining traction in recent years thanks to a business model focused on customization and local production, with bicycles designed, assembled, and painted by hand in northern France. Although for years its presence was mainly national, its leap to the World Cup in 2024 with its own team, led by Maxime Marotte, marked a turning point in its international projection.

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The signing of a figure like Absalon reinforces that growth and positioning strategy in the high-performance segment, especially in disciplines like XCO and gravel. Moreover, it comes at a time when there is speculation about a more ambitious move by the brand within the international circuit, although for now, there is no official confirmation of a more direct involvement in the World Cup.

Far from a sports retirement, Absalon remains very active and has oriented his activities towards endurance and adventure challenges. His debut with Origine will precisely have that focus. The Frenchman has announced that he will use a gravel model from the brand, the Graax GTR, for a new project in Morocco, a crossing from north to south through the Atlas Mountains under the name “Across Morocco.”

In his own words, Absalon highlights the affinity with the brand's philosophy and the artisanal approach to its bicycles, as well as the commitment of the human team behind it. A fit that seems natural and could have potential beyond this first project.

With this move, Origine adds not only a highly prestigious ambassador but also a key figure in the history of XCO, capable of bringing visibility, credibility, and knowledge at a decisive moment for the brand.