igus:bike

Stage 2: igus:bike visits the power behind the Czech Republic

Michael Poepke | 4. August 2025

After exploring the historic heart of Prague, the second day of the Czech leg of the igus:bike worldtour took a turn towards industrial strength and energy innovation — straight to one of the largest coal power plants in the country.

A Partnership Built on Power: HENNLICH and Skupina ČEZ

The team from HENNLICH, the official igus partner for the Czech Republic, cycled into Tušimice, a northern Czech town known for its massive coal power station, operated by Skupina ČEZ, the country’s largest electricity producer. Here, technology from igus has been playing a crucial role — quietly and reliably — for over 15 years.

Engineering Excellence: The World’s Longest Energy Chain

Back in the early 2000s, HENNLICH engineers designed and installed an igus energy chain measuring 615 meters in length to supply power to a moving stacking machine used for handling coal. For almost a decade, it held the title of the longest energy chain in the world. Today, it still operates flawlessly, with no serious issues reported after all these years — a true testament to the durability and maintenance-free nature of igus motion plastics.

Scenic End to the Journey: The Elbe River and Děčín

In the afternoon, the journey continued along the Elbe River to Děčín, the last Czech city before the river flows into Germany. Known for its rich shipbuilding heritage, river navigation and breathtaking landscapes, Děčín offered a scenic close to the day’s journey.

From Coal Giants to Riverside Innovation: igus Motion Plastics in Action

But even here, igus had left its mark: at a newly built tourist boat pier, a zig-zag energy chain ensures safe and flexible energy transfer from the shore to the floating dock. Whether in coal-fired giants or riverside leisure facilities, igus motion plastics prove their reliability and versatility across vastly different environments.

From the heart of industrial power to riverside elegance, the igus:bike journey through the north of the Czech Republic showcased not just the bike — but the broader strength of igus solutions in motion.