Stage 2: 438 Kilometers Later – igus:bike Arrives in Paraná
Michael Poepke | 26. February 2026
After beginning its Brazilian journey in the countryside of São Paulo, the igus:bike has now crossed its first state border.
From Jundiaí to Curitiba, 438 kilometers were covered.
Highways stretching ahead.
Changing landscapes.
Long conversations inside the car following the bike.
And that quiet feeling that the Brazilian chapter of this journey is truly underway.
With this milestone, the tour enters Paraná — a state known for its industrial strength, cultural diversity, and its rare balance between development and environmental preservation.
And in Curitiba, one of Brazil’s most thoughtfully planned capitals, the next chapter begins.
Where urban planning meets nature – Parque Barigui
The first stop in Curitiba was Parque Barigui, one of the city’s largest and most beloved urban parks.
With its wide green areas, lakes reflecting the skyline, and families enjoying the open space, Barigui captures something essential about Curitiba: thoughtful planning that never forgets quality of life.
The city has long been recognized as a reference in urban mobility and sustainable planning in Brazil. It proves that development does not have to compete with environmental responsibility — the two can move forward together.
And then, there are the capybaras.
Calmly resting near the water or slowly crossing the grass, they have become unofficial ambassadors of the park. Their presence is more than a charming detail — it’s a living reminder that urban spaces can still respect and coexist with local wildlife.
Riding the igus:bike through Barigui reinforced something simple but powerful:
Innovation also needs room to breathe.
Progress only makes sense when it moves responsibly.
And sustainable development must leave space for nature to remain part of the story.
From green landscapes to historical foundations – Largo da Ordem
From open landscapes, the journey moved into the historic center.
At Largo da Ordem, cobblestone streets and colonial architecture tell stories that date back to the 18th century. This is where Curitiba began shaping its commercial and cultural identity.
Walking the bike through those streets felt different. Slower. More reflective.
Every city has a starting point — a foundation that defines how it grows and how it reinvents itself over time.
Understanding the past is not nostalgia.
It is preparation for the future.
Innovation begins with education – Federal University of Paraná (UFPR)
The next stop brought the tour to a national milestone: the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), founded in 1912 as the first university in Brazil.
Standing in front of its historic building, the message was clear. Innovation begins long before factories and machines. It begins in classrooms. In research labs. In conversations between professors and students. The industry of tomorrow depends on the minds being formed today.
That is exactly why igus proudly supports initiatives such as the YES – Young Engineers Support program, encouraging students and future engineers to explore innovation, robotics, and automation from an early stage.
Movement is not only about engineering components. It is intellectual. It is technological. It is human.
More than kilometers
On its first day in Paraná, the igus:bike did more than accumulate distance.
It connected ideas. Urban planning. History. Education. Industrial development.
The 438 kilometers between São Paulo and Curitiba are now part of the map. But more importantly, they represent a bridge — between regions, between perspectives, and between the many dimensions of movement that define this tour.
Throughout this stage, members of the igus Brazil team documented each moment, sharing the journey as it unfolds across the country — not just as observers, but as active participants in the story.
Stay tuned! Stage 3 will mark our first customer visit of the Brazilian leg of the igus:bike worldtour.
Our riders:
Miriam Araldi – Marketing Analyst at igus do Brasil
My name is Miriam, I am 28 years old, and I have been part of the marketing team at igus Brazil since 2017. Looking back, it’s incredible to see how quickly time has passed and how much we have evolved since I started this journey at 19.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to closely follow the expansion of our brand in the Brazilian market. In marketing, my focus has been on the strategic prospecting of new clients through industrial campaigns and the organization of events that connect our solutions directly to our partners’ challenges. Seeing igus grow and knowing that I am one of the “entry points” for new clients to discover our technology is what motivates me every day.
I truly believe in our solution-driven mindset and our commitment to simplifying industrial processes through our products. A lot has evolved since I joined in 2017, but the partnership within the team and the technical quality of what we deliver remain our core pillars.
Marcelo Fialkowski – FGBU Specialist at igus do Brasil
My name is Marcelo Fialkowski, and I have been part of igus Brazil since 2016.
Over the past three years, I have been responsible for the FGBU product line nationwide, overseeing six business units with high growth potential and applications across multiple industrial segments.
I began my journey with the drytech team, where I was responsible for the entire state of Paraná. With the region’s consistent growth, we structured the expansion of the team and now have three dedicated technical consultants supporting our local customers.
After 10 years representing igus, I remain motivated by constant innovation and by the challenge of driving new business, always focused on sustainable growth and value creation for the market.
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:
