With Mulebar, energy bars made in the UK, you’ll gain strength after working out on your Orbea. In Mulebar, they use tasty 100% natural ingredients. Variety is the spice of life: the bars are available in a rich array of flavours –Mango Tango, Piñacolada, Hunza Nut, and Chocolate. Coming soon: Cinnamon, Raisins, Liquorice.

The 97th Tour de France’s Grand Depart has been scheduled for 3 July, 2010 –in Rotterdam. Race organisers said, “The decision was made in favour of Rotterdam for two main reasons: Firstly, because in the wake of the Grand Depart from London, Rotterdam embodies a kind of continuity in the image of the Tour de France, promoting cycling as an important means of transport in the heart of a metropolis. Secondly, because its geographical situation fits the route we have imagined for the 2010 Tour to perfection. This is the fifth time the Tour will start in the Netherlands; the most recent occasion was in 1996, when the Grand Boucle kicked off in Hertogenbosch.

On 30 November, Orbea will carry out wind tunnel tests for the fourth time, and we’ll do so with Euskaltel-Euskadi (who’re coming along for the second time), travelling to San Diego, US. The Basque team will be represented by Samuel Sánchez and Mikel Astarloza, who’ll stay in San Diego for three days. The tests’ are aimed at improving riders’ position on bikes and analysing Orbea products. Riders Sánchez and Astarloza are to test aerodynamic positions on the Orbea Ordu. Visit http://www.lswt.com/album.php?album=26 to see Euskaltel-Euskadi’s wind tunnel tests carried out last year. 

On a heart rate monitor you can see all the relevant information on your physical activity and its impact on your overall fitness. They’re great to carry when you play your favourite sport or when you’re planning your workout session. Basic features: speed sensor, heart rate information, speed + pace measurements, etc.

Cycling fans know how their bikes get dirty when they go out for a ride and they also know that although cleaning your bike is time consuming, then you never regret doing so. Some tips: clean the chain before going out, brush the cassette and chainrings. Greasing the chain results in longer lifetime. And remember: water can be your bike’s chief enemy, as it reaches every corner, washing grease away. Don’t forget about dry cleaning, either.

We’ve just launched a new Product Review on our website. The article reviews thoroughly the new range by Orca, the leading brand in neoprene gear, triathlon wear, and training or fitness apparel, which is, of course, associated with Orbea. Orbea is Orca’s dealer worldwide. Wearing Orca, Craig Alexander claimed the 30th Hawaii Ironman, Rubén Ruzafa won the  XTERRA crown in Maui, and Marina Damlaimcourt became the 2008 Spanish Triathlon Champion.

It’s one of the stories we are telling you this week. Markus Wegenke, a German student who spent six months in Zaragoza, Spain, rode to Berne, Switzerland, before going back home in Germany. In doing so, he had to cross over both the Pyrenees and the Alps. He’s told us about his exciting adventure in an interesting interview. In addition, we’ve mapped out the route followed by our German friend for you. Maybe you’d like to accomplish the same feat or perhaps you can just imagine his mountainous itinerary. Click here to view.