A lab in your pocket”: New Movistar hydration tech revolutionizes how cyclists drink on the go
What if you could eliminate the guesswork from hydration forever? What if, instead of following generic advice to “drink before you’re thirsty,” you could know exactly how much fluid your unique body needs at any given moment?
That’s no longer a cyclist’s fantasy. Thanks to Movistar Team’s groundbreaking partnership with MX3, you can now literally carry a sports science lab in your pocket. This revolutionary hydration technology is changing the game for professional cyclists—and soon, it could transform your rides too.
The Hydration Problem Every Cyclist Faces
Let’s be honest—you probably think you’ve got your hydration dialed in. A sip every 15 minutes, a bottle an hour, electrolytes on hot days. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: most of us are terrible at judging our hydration status. Research shows that even a 2% drop in body weight from fluid loss can slash your power output by up to 11%. That’s the difference between setting a PR and bonking spectacularly.
“I thought I knew how to drink properly after 15 years of racing,” admits a Movistar Team rider. “Turns out I was consistently under-hydrating on cooler days and over-drinking on hot ones.”
You’re not alone in this struggle. The challenge isn’t just drinking—it’s drinking the right amount of the right fluids at the right time. Your sweat composition is as unique as your fingerprint, which means generic hydration advice is about as useful as a flat tire on a mountain descent.
This is precisely why Movistar Team, one of cycling’s most tech-forward squads, has turned to cutting-edge science to solve this age-old problem.
Meet Your New Pocket Lab – The MX3 Hydration Testing System
Imagine pulling a device smaller than your smartphone from your jersey pocket, touching a test strip to your tongue for a few seconds, and instantly knowing exactly how hydrated you are and what you should drink next. That’s not science fiction—it’s the MX3 Hydration Testing System.
The technology is brilliantly simple to use but sophisticated in its analysis. Here’s how it works:
- Insert a test strip into the handheld MX3 LAB device
- Touch the strip to your tongue for a quick saliva sample
- Wait just seconds for the device to analyze your hydration status
- Receive immediate recommendations via the companion app
“It’s a portable and non-invasive laboratory,” explains Movistar’s performance director. “The system measures, tracks, and assesses hydration status in real-time, giving our riders a deeper understanding of their physiological needs.”
What makes this technology revolutionary isn’t just its convenience—it’s the precision. The MX3 doesn’t just tell you if you’re dehydrated; it categorizes your status into four levels: hydrated, mildly dehydrated, moderately dehydrated, or severely dehydrated. Then it tells you exactly how much fluid to consume to get back to optimal levels.
But it doesn’t stop there. The system also measures sodium levels in your sweat, allowing for personalized electrolyte replacement strategies. No more one-size-fits-all sports drinks—you’ll know exactly what your body needs.
How It Changes Your Ride Experience
Picture this: It’s 7 AM on Saturday. You’re gearing up for a long ride, and before clipping in, you pull out your MX3 device for a quick check. The app shows you’re starting slightly dehydrated from yesterday’s training and recommends drinking 500ml of fluid before you roll out. You follow the advice and immediately feel more alert as you begin your ride.
Two hours in, you stop for a quick refuel. Another 10-second test reveals you’re losing sodium at a higher rate than expected due to the unexpectedly warm weather. The app recommends switching from water to a specific electrolyte concentration for your next bottle. You make the adjustment and avoid the cramping that would have otherwise hit at the 100km mark.
Post-ride, a final test helps you dial in your recovery hydration, ensuring you’re fully replenished before tomorrow’s session.
This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about performance. When Movistar implemented the MX3 system during training camps, riders reported:
- Fewer instances of cramping during long rides
- More consistent power output in the final hour of training
- Better recovery between consecutive hard days
- Reduced feelings of fatigue during stage races
“The difference is remarkable,” says one Movistar cyclist. “When you’re properly hydrated based on actual data rather than feel, your entire body works better. Hills seem less steep, your mind stays sharper, and you finish rides feeling strong instead of shattered.”
Beyond Hydration – The Future of Portable Testing
As impressive as the current technology is, MX3 is just getting started. Soon, the same device will offer non-invasive saliva-based lactate testing—a game-changer for training in the right zones without painful finger pricks.
They’re also developing ketone testing capabilities, which will help you monitor metabolic state during long rides or fasted training sessions. All of these tests will use the same pocket-sized device and companion app, truly delivering on the promise of “a lab in the palm of your hand.”
Think about what this means for your training. Instead of wondering if you’re in the right zone, if you’re properly fueled, or if you’re hydrated enough, you’ll know with scientific certainty. It’s like having a sports scientist riding alongside you, offering personalized advice based on your body’s real-time data.
Your Turn to Revolutionize Your Hydration
The days of hydration guesswork are coming to an end. While Movistar Team cyclists currently have the advantage of this cutting-edge technology, the MX3 Hydration Testing System is becoming more accessible to everyday riders.
The MX3 Lab Pro is available for purchase through the company’s website, with the basic package including the handheld device, test strips, and access to the companion app. For cycling clubs or teams, there are also options for multiple user accounts and bulk test strip purchases.
Is it an investment? Yes. But consider what you’ve already spent on your bike, wheels, and kit in pursuit of marginal gains. Proper hydration offers performance benefits that far outweigh most equipment upgrades—and now you can approach it with scientific precision.
The next time you’re grinding up a climb or pushing through the final kilometers of a gran fondo, imagine knowing exactly what your body needs to perform at its best. That’s not just a competitive advantage—it’s a revolution in how we approach cycling nutrition and hydration.
The lab in your pocket is waiting. Are you ready to transform your ride?