Stage 1: Historical highlights and modern technology: the start of the igus:bike tour in Bern
Ramona Senoner | 2. July 2025
Our bike tour begins early in the morning in the beautiful Rosengarten, one of the best vantage points in the city. The view of the historic old town of Bern, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is breathtaking and provides the perfect canvas for the start of our tour. We then drive downhill and visit the nearby Bear Park. The bear is the city’s heraldic animal and namesake. After crossing the Aare river, we can already see the impressive Bern Minster. The tower has a height of 100 meters and is the largest cathedral in Switzerland.
From there, we make our way to the Zytglogge (Bernese German for “Time Bell”), one of Bern’s most famous sights. The medieval clock tower, which features moving puppets and an astronomical clock, is a must-see for every visitor. Next, we head to the Federal Palace of Switzerland, commonly known as the Bundeshaus. This historic building houses the Swiss government and parliament, and is a symbol of Swiss democracy. We then meet our next driver, Nelson, at the Wankdorf Stadium, where the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 will soon take place. He drives until Kriegstetten, where we stop for our lunch break.
Now it’s time for our first customer visit. Oliver takes over the bike and drives to OptoTech AG in Zuchwil. The company is a leading supplier of optical machines and process engineering technology. Claude Volken, Technical Manager, shows us various machines that use igus energy chains, trapezoidal thread spindles and plain bearings. Once the interview is over, many employees take the opportunity to try out the igus:bike. What a nice ending of today’s stage!
Our riders:
Andreas Leppert
My name is Andreas Leppert, I’m 40 years old and part of igus for 13 years. Having worked as a Regional Sales Manager and Product Manager, I have spent the last six years as Head of Internal Sales and a member of the Management Board at igus Switzerland. The igus:bike demonstrates what igus and its motion plastics are all about: Improve what moves with motion plastics! In my free time, I enjoy various outdoor activities and spending time with family, including cycling.
Nelson Kunz
Hi, I’m Nelson Kunz. I’m 40 years old and I’ve been working as a Technical Sales Consultant at igus for 4 years. In my role, I contribute to an innovative and sustainable industry. I‘m participating in the igus:bike world tour because of my passion for sports and environmental protection. As an experienced diver, I have witnessed the effects of marine pollution first-hand, which has fuelled my enthusiasm for the igus:bike. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, DIY and spending time with my family.
Oliver Baumann
My name is Oliver Baumann and I’m 30 years old. I have been a Technical Sales Representative in central Switzerland at igus for four and a half years. My job is to support our energy chain and cable customers, ensuring they receive the optimal solution for their needs. Coming from an agriculture background, I find the environmentally friendly aspect of the bike, which is made from recycled plastics, particularly important. I am excited to be part of the igus:bike tour, which also offers a unique opportunity to test the igus:bike myself. In my spare time I work as a firefighter.
Map of this stage
