Stage 1: Foggy Beginnings in Porto
Michael Poepke | 17. October 2025
There’s something magical about Porto in the morning, especially when it’s wrapped in its famous Atlantic fog. 🌫️ Our igus:bike Tour Portugal began right by the sea, under the elegant Pérgola da Foz, one of the city’s most beloved seaside landmarks. The horizon was hidden, the waves were just whispers, and the mist gave everything a soft, cinematic glow. But the adventure was waiting and so was our igus:bike!
From Foz do Douro, we followed the coastline until the point where the Douro River begins its journey inland. Along the way, the fog slowly lifted, revealing the beauty of Porto’s waterfront and its stunning bridges. The first one we saw was the Arrábida Bridge, with its monumental concrete arch, an engineering marvel that still impresses decades after its construction.
From there, the road started to climb, leading us up toward one of the city’s most iconic modern landmarks, the Casa da Música. Its bold, futuristic design stood in striking contrast to the city’s misty morning mood, a perfect symbol of Porto’s blend of tradition and innovation.
Our ride then took us into the heart of the city, where history and culture meet at every corner. We passed the lively Praça dos Leões, admired the world-famous Livraria Lello (yes, the one that inspired J.K. Rowling!), and caught a glimpse of the Torre dos Clérigos, with its 240 steps daring us to climb. We decided to stay on our igus:bike instead, there was still much to see ahead!
Back downhill, we returned to the banks of the Douro, where the city was alive with tourists, street musicians, and the golden light finally breaking through the fog. Along the way, we crossed two masterpieces of engineering: the Dom Luís I Bridge, with its double-deck iron structure connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, and the historic Maria Pia Bridge, designed by the one and only Eiffel.
Following the river eastward, we enjoyed every kilometer, the peaceful rhythm of the water, the sound of pedals turning, and the occasional wave from passersby. Our destination: Melres, where a well-deserved team gathering awaited us. Everyone had the chance to test the igus:bike, share stories from the road, and enjoy a moment of pure camaraderie.
And, as any good Portuguese journey should, the day ended around the table, with a delicious team dinner, laughter, and plenty of memories to toast to.
From misty beginnings to sunny smiles, Stage 1 reminded us why Porto is called the Invicta, strong, beautiful, and full of surprises.
Our riders:
Ricardo Carvalho
My name is Ricardo, and I’m part of the Inside Sales Department at igus Portugal. I joined the company in 2021, and since then I’ve been focused on supporting our customers and helping them find the right solutions for their applications. I’m from the city of Porto and outside of work, I like to stay active, handball has always been one of my biggest passions, and I also enjoy surfing whenever I have the chance.
Rodrigo Lemos
I’ve been working at igus since 2022, and I’m currently part of the Marketing Department. I was born and raised in Porto. In my free time, I love discovering new music and staying active through different sports. Whenever possible, I enjoy following my club and supporting them across all sports, it’s always a great way to combine my passion for competition and team spirit.
Map of the stage:
