Features Road Carbon fiber is still king at the Worlds By Wendy Booher published 6 September 2007 Olympian and defending world champion Julien Absalon will put his Orbea Alma to the test this... Image 1 of 24White is the new black(Image credit: Wendy Booher)Absalon's BlackBox-spec Avid Juicy Ultimate carbon levers(Image credit: Wendy Booher)The SRAM rear end(Image credit: Wendy Booher)Super skinny, super light(Image credit: Wendy Booher)Orbea's Alma helped Absalon(Image credit: Orbea)Speed, distance, time, and changes in elevation(Image credit: Wendy Booher)No granny gear for the Olympic champ!(Image credit: Wendy Booher)Julien Absalon's Orbea Alma after winning the XC at the French National MTB Championships.(Image credit: Wendy Booher/Cyclingnews.com)Olympic gold and rainbow stripes are all that's custom-tailored to Absalon's Alma.(Image credit: Wendy Booher/Cyclingnews.com)Time's ATAC XS Titan Carbon pedals represent another French connection.(Image credit: Wendy Booher/Cyclingnews.com)Wheels and tires are provided by Fulcrum's Red Metal Zero and Hutchinson Python Tubeless Light models.(Image credit: Wendy Booher/Cyclingnews.com)Absalon's BlackBox-spec Avid Juicy Ultimate carbon levers are decorated with his name and a unique white paint job.(Image credit: Wendy Booher/Cyclingnews.com)Speed, distance, time, and changes in elevation : Garmin provides Absalon with valuable data to achieve his goals.(Image credit: Wendy Booher/Cyclingnews.com)No granny gear for the Olympic champ! Absalon runs just a 32T and 44T ring from sponsor Truvativ.(Image credit: Wendy Booher/Cyclingnews.com)Truvativ's Noir crankset set against a rainbow-striped backdrop.(Image credit: Wendy Booher/Cyclingnews.com)The SRAM rear end includes the X-0 20th anniversary rear derailleur, Avid Juicy Ultimate brakes, and PG-990 cassette.(Image credit: Wendy Booher/Cyclingnews.com)SRAM's X-9 derailleur handles shifting duties up front.(Image credit: Wendy Booher/Cyclingnews.com)Absalon utilizes SRAM's latest PushLoc handlebar-located remote lockout lever, developed as part of the company's BlackBox program.(Image credit: Wendy Booher/Cyclingnews.com)White is the new black, but SID blue is about to come back into fashion in 2008.(Image credit: Wendy Booher/Cyclingnews.com)Super skinny, super light : the Selle Italia SLR carbon saddle is mounted atop a Zeus carbon seatpost.(Image credit: Wendy Booher/Cyclingnews.com)Julien Absalon's signature bike.(Image credit: Wendy Booher/Cyclingnews.com)The new X.0 rear derailleur uses a carbon outer cage plate but an aluminum inner one for a stiffer assembly.(Image credit: Wendy Booher/Cyclingnews.com)The team issue Orbea Alma custom painted for team superstar Julien Absalon.(Image credit: Orbea)Orbea's Alma helped Absalon shed 600 grams from his previous race bike.(Image credit: Orbea)Pro bikes, September 5, 2007Julien Absalon's Team Orbea Orbea AlmaGet The Leadout NewsletterThe latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*Join now for unlimited accessEnjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1 Join now Already have an account ? Sign in here *Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resetsAfter your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59 Join now for unlimited accessTry your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1 Join now Already have an account ? Sign in here Wendy BooherSocial Links Navigation LatestLizzie Deignan gets green light to race La Vuelta FemeninaGravel's newest star Torbjørn Røed leaves road behind with Unbound in mindPOC Aspire cycling glasses review: A sturdy and stylish modern classicSee more latest ► Most PopularArdennes Classics confirm that Demi Vollering and SD Worx are now beatable - AnalysisThe Monuments - Longo Borghini, Kopecky in contention to claim all three at Liège-Bastogne-LiègeWhat is the Cima Coppi? The story of the Giro d'Italia's highest climbUnfinished business and a shot at history – Pogacar and Van der Poel face off at Liège-Bastogne-Liège'The goal is to win the Tour de France' - Jai Hindley and new role with Primoz RoglicFrom track spikes to bikes - Inside Jamaica's first-ever UCI cycling road raceArdennes Classics - Could SD Worx's distraction over Demi Vollering's future prevent a triple crown repeat?Ashlin Barry pursues family racing tradition, 2028 Olympics already a goalNothing to lose: What can Mathieu van der Poel achieve in the Ardennes Classics?'Unless I'm in an ambulance, I'm finishing this race' – Cyrus Monk, the last man home at Paris-RoubaixBehind the scenes at Paris-Roubaix: What it’s like to report on the most chaotic race of the year