Team Orbea, one of the few brand-based teams in Europe, is only in its second year but is not short on accomplishments. Orbea won the team competition, as well as a stage at the 2005 Tour de l’Avenir, which remains a goal for 2006 along with the Sea Otter Classic and the Euskatel Bicicletta. Orbea is a technologically advanced frame manufacturer based in Northern Spain who has enjoyed great success in the growth of its brand over the past several years with key wins under several Top Level professional teams.

Although not a first division squad the team’s top young Spanish talents include Alan Perez and Gustavo Dominguez. The only non-Spanish rider is an American from Texas named Armstrong. Brad Armstrong is a 19 year-old State Champion from Burleson and “a terrific talent,” according to Orbea’s Global Marketing Director, Joseba Arizaga and no, he is not a relation to the seven-time Tour de France winner.

The Team’s professional level SRAM componentry will include the full complement of shifters, front and rear derailleur, cranks, bottom bracket, chain, cassette and brakes. Last October SRAM introduced DoubleTap technology that allows for both up and down shifts to be executed from the same inward pivoting shift lever. Additional priorities of the component group will be advanced materials, exceptionally light weight, superior function, and sensible ergonomics.

Orbea’s Arizaga went on to say, “SRAM has taken a fresh approach to their new road products and we consider our approach the same, we are very proud and very excited.”

Orbea bicycles are born in the heart of the Pyrenees of northern Spain. Orbea is part of the world’s largest worker-owned cooperative, which gives every worker extra pride and passion to create the most beautiful bikes in the world. Orbea uses the most advanced technology and has an intricate hand-painted finish that takes hours to perfect. It is a pedigree born in the best cycling region in the world: The Pyrenees.

SRAM is an innovative global leader in bicycle component manufacturing with top brands that include SRAM components, RockShox suspension, Avid brakes, and Truvativ cranks, bars and stems. SRAM’s official road group launch will take place in the U.S. at the Sea Otter Classic in early April.