igus:bike

Stage 2: igus:bike in Silesia – on roads that combine tradition with modernity

Anna Kielar | 8. August 2025

After an urban start in the capital, in the second stage we head south – towards the rocks of Jura and the heart of Upper Silesia. This is where advanced technology, natural landscapes and industrial history meet. And igus:bike? As always – ready for anything.

Visit to Optopol Technology

The first stop was the Optopol Technology plant in Zawiercie – a company that has been supporting the ophthalmic and optical industry for years by creating innovative diagnostic solutions. It is here that the world’s first SOCT tomograph for spectral eye fundus imaging was developed. A visit to a place where precision and innovation go hand in hand perfectly matches the philosophy of igus:bike – a bike designed for durability and reliability.

The Heart of Silesia

The igus:bike route continues south to Katowice, a city that successfully combines industrial heritage with modern architecture and green ambitions.

Bricks, Cobblestones, and Atmosphere – Cycling Through Nikiszowiec

The first stop is Nikiszowiec, a historic district where history is present at every turn. Red bricks, characteristic grouting, and cobbled streets create an atmosphere that is best experienced on two wheels. In such surroundings, even the futuristic igus:bike blends in naturally.

A Small Jurassic Getaway – a Visit to the Castle in Ogrodzieniec

Take a break from the city rhythm and make a quick trip out of town to the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. When you’re so close to Ogrodzieniec, it’s impossible not to stray from the route. The ruins of the castle towering over the limestone landscape are a sight that will remain in your memory for a long time. igus:bike technology is perfectly suited to this harsh terrain: no grease, high dust resistance and robust materials (partly recycled) mean that even the rockiest paths are no match for it.

Back to the City of the Future – Panorama from Spodek

At the end of the day, we return to Katowice – to the legendary Spodek and the International Congress Center. This cosmic structure, resembling a UFO, has been an icon of Silesia for over 50 years. It hosts concerts, tournaments, conferences, and shows that attract crowds. The green roof of the ICC is an excellent vantage point – the panorama of Katowice stretches out in all its glory: mine towers, modern office buildings and a surprising amount of greenery.

A Musical Finale: NOSPR

At the end of the day, we make a short stop at the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra. Here, amid the sounds and silence, the bike, with no noise or exhaust fumes, seems to blend in with the harmony of the space. Because igus:bike is not just technology – it is a conscious approach to movement, the environment, and urban culture.

A Bike Ready for Any Challenge

Nikiszowiec, Ogrodzieniec, Katowice – each of these places shows how diverse Poland is and how versatile a single bike can be. igus:bike is not afraid of any surface, any climate or any route. No grease, no maintenance – but with character. We can’t wait for the next stage.

Our rider: Przemysław Strugacz

Przemek has been working at igus since 2014 and has been associated with the Silesia and Opole regions since the beginning of his career. Since 2016, he has been head of the BRG South sales department, and since 2017 he has been regional manager, responsible for the provinces of Lower Silesia, Opole, Silesia, Lesser Poland, Subcarpathia and Świętokrzyskie.

Privately, Przemek is a happy husband and proud father of his daughter Jagoda. He is a thrill seeker on two wheels — a motorcyclist who loves to ride motocross. He is also an avid sportsman for whom cycling, skiing and swimming are not just hobbies, but a way of life and a source of energy.