Stage 1: From Industry to Nature: The Beginning of the igus:bike World Tour in Brazil
Michael Poepke | 25. February 2026
After traveling through several countries around the world, the igus:bike began its journey in Brazil.
The starting point was Jundiaí, home of igus Brazil since a few years now and a key hub for technology, industry, and development.
This is where the Brazilian chapter of the tour began.
Where movement meets purpose
Located in one of Brazil’s main logistics corridors, Jundiaí has become an important industrial center. From here, solutions, projects, and partnerships support customers across different industrial sectors nationwide.
The igus facility serves as a center for innovation, technical development, and collaboration.
From this environment, the first route of the tour was launched.
Quick test-drive at igus factory
Before heading to Serra do Japi, the igus:bike made its first official stop in Brazil at the igus factory in Jundiaí.
On the day of its arrival, we recorded a special moment with our team. In a short internal video, employees had the opportunity to test the bike for the first time. It was a simple but meaningful initiative, allowing everyone to experience the concept behind the project in practice.
More than a formal launch, it was a moment of connection — linking the global tour to the people who are part of igus’ daily operations in Brazil.
After all, innovation also starts from within.
Serra do Japi: nature, history, and balance
Just a few kilometers from the urban center lies Serra do Japi, one of the most important natural reserves in the region.
Before industrialization, the area was already part of commercial routes and local communities. With the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, Jundiaí became a logistics and later an industrial hub.
Despite this growth, Serra do Japi remains one of the best-preserved areas of Atlantic Forest, representing the balance between economic development and environmental protection.
A meaningful ride
The first Brazilian stage brought together Rebeca Tarragô, Gabriel Volpato, Marcio Marques, and Marcelo Pimenta, representing different areas of the company.
The ride also created opportunities for exchange, discussion, and reflection, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the project.
The igus:bike, developed from recycled plastics and requiring no lubrication, reflects the tour’s core idea: demonstrating efficient and sustainable solutions in practice.
A simple action with real impact
During the ride, we encountered a local environmental initiative.
Along the trail, water containers were placed with a message inviting visitors to fill them to help irrigate vegetation, especially important during hot and dry periods.
We joined the initiative by filling several containers and returning them to the site.
This experience highlighted that sustainability is also built through everyday actions and shared responsibility.
The beginning of a new chapter
The first stage of the igus:bike World Tour in Brazil marked the beginning of a journey focused on connection, learning, and collaboration.
From Serra do Japi, the tour continues to new cities, customers, and experiences.
With the same purpose: connecting technology, people, and sustainable development.
And this journey through Brazil is just beginning. 🚲
Our riders:
Marcelo Pimenta – CEO igus Brazil and LATAM
I´m Marcelo Pimenta from Brazil. I´ve been working for igus since 2012 as a Country Manager. Today I take care of Brazil and of our Distributors in Latin America, being also part of IGD in those projects. As a metallurgical engineer (YES!!) I spent much time solving wear problems in mechanical components, especially through surface treatments which brought me into Triboloy (ok, now you got it!). I am an enthusiast of solving customers problems and to work together with different people and cultures. I have lived in different countries, and I consider myself today a mix of all I´ve seen around, with strong roots in the South of Brazil, being a barbecue (churrasco) lover and griller.
I am motivated by challenges, by implementing innovation and by working with passionate people in business. Getting the order, solving a customer problem, improving a process and having lots of fun when achieving good results.
The bike has a personal appealing to me, as I am riding my mountain bike since some years. I hope we create great memories in this bike world tour here in our beloved Country!
Rebeca Tarragô – Marketing manager
I’m Rebeca, and I’ve been part of the igus Brazil team since 2017. Throughout my journey, I’ve worked with marketing, communication, and business development initiatives, helping connect our solutions with customers across Brazil.
Being part of the igus Bike Tour represents much more than a professional project to me. It reflects our commitment to proximity, movement, and connection… values that guide my work every day. Through this journey, I’m excited to share authentic stories, highlight innovation in action, and show how collaboration drives everything we do.
What motivates me most is seeing ideas turn into impact. Whether through campaigns, events, or personal connections, I believe that marketing is about creating bridges, between technology and people, brands and purpose, and companies and communities.
Marcio Marques – drytech product manager
I’m Marcio Marques from Brazil, and I’ve been part of igus Brazil team since March 2001.
I have started working in inside sales team and became product manager and Drytech business unit manager during this time.
During these 25 years, I have seen igus Brazil growing a lot, specially in the Drytech department.
I have started alone 25 years ago and now we have a team with 30 people including 5 specialists and close to reach 10 Mio euro in Sales.
That’s really amazing to work in a company that is truly dedicated to innovation and create benefits for the customers by technology and the same time having environment responsibility.
Gabriel Volpato – Marketing analyst
My name is Gabriel, and I have been part of the igus Brazil marketing team since 2020, when I joined the company as an apprentice. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside the company and evolve within the marketing area.
Today, I work with graphic design, video editing, and digital marketing initiatives, helping transform ideas into visual experiences that communicate the igus purpose. I enjoy being hands-on, learning new skills, and taking on challenges with enthusiasm, whether behind a camera, at the computer, or on the road.
Accompanying the igus Bike Tour throughout its entire journey is a unique opportunity for me to tell real stories, capture meaningful moments, and showcase how our brand connects with people, places, and innovation.
I am truly excited to be part of this experience and to help ensure that every stage of the tour becomes a memorable chapter in our story.
Map of this stage:
