Stage 20: Resilience in motion: industry, rebuilding and new paths in Porto Alegre
Michael Poepke | 17. April 2026
The igus:bike Tour continued its journey through southern Brazil — and reached one of the most symbolic moments of the entire tour: Porto Alegre.
More than just a stop along the route, this stage carries a special meaning.
A city that has recently faced major challenges due to flooding — and that is now moving forward, seeking to rebuild, adapt and evolve.
A city that reinvents itself
Throughout the day, the bike passed through some of the city’s main parks:
- Usina do Gasômetro
- Parque Getúlio Vargas
- Parque Moinhos de Vento
- Parque Germânia
- Parque Farroupilha (Redenção)
Spaces that represent much more than leisure.
They show a city that remains alive —
where people are returning, walking, cycling… and rebuilding their daily lives.
Between green areas, architecture and history, Porto Alegre reveals its essence:
resilience.
KLL SAF-Holland — engineering that keeps movement going
Within this context, the tour also visited an important industrial partner:
KLL SAF-Holland.
During the visit, we had the opportunity to speak with Álvaro, Director of Engineering, and gain insights into the challenges and future directions of the industry.
Beyond processes and technology, the conversation brought an important reflection:
how engineering must increasingly be prepared to deal with complex, dynamic and constantly changing environments.
And this is exactly where igus solutions come into play:
- Greater reliability in dynamic systems
- Reduced maintenance in demanding environments
- Components designed for durability and predictable performance
- Less dependence on corrective interventions
Because in times of uncertainty, predictability and robustness are no longer differentiators — they become essential.
Movement beyond technology
Stage 20 was not just about crossing a city.
It was about understanding its moment.
Between parks, people and industry, one thing became clear:
- cities transform
- companies adapt
- people move forward
And engineering is present in all of these movements.
A stage about new beginnings
If there is one word that defines this day, it is new beginnings.
Reclaiming spaces.
Restarting production.
Planning the future again.
And the igus:bike Tour continues with exactly this purpose:
to show that, regardless of the scenario,
movement goes on.
Thank you, Rio Grande do Sul
We close this stage with a special feeling.
Our sincere thanks to Rio Grande do Sul
for welcoming us, sharing its stories, its strength and its resilience.
It was a privilege to travel through your cities, meet your people and experience firsthand the strength of your industry.
The tour continues…
carrying with us everything we learned along the way.
SAFETY PARTNER
To ensure the protection of the igus:bike throughout the entire tour, the initiative counts on the support of Seguros SURA Brasil, a specialist in risk management and future mobility trends.
As the journey progresses, this partnership highlights an essential aspect of cycling culture: safety. While igus develops engineering solutions for applications in motion, SURA offers insurance designed for cyclists, regardless of their riding profile.
The Bici SURA coverage includes:
• Accidental damage during use or storage of the bicycle
• Theft or robbery
• Electrical damage in electric bicycles
• Damage during transportation when carried out by the insured rider
• Full reimbursement of transportation and rescue costs for the cyclist in case of accidents
To learn more, visit:
https://www.segurossura.com.br/mobilidade/seguro-bici-sura
Our riders:
Beatriz Sebastiani – Marketing Analyst
My name is Beatriz, and I have been part of the igus Brazil marketing team since 2024, when I began my journey as an assistant.
From the very beginning, I felt that igus would provide me with opportunities for both professional and personal growth. Today, one of my main responsibilities in marketing is managing online orders, which have been growing exponentially each year.
Being part of the igus bike tour is a great opportunity for me to get to know our customers up close and share their stories and values with the world.
I embraced this challenge with great enthusiasm, and we are excited to keep the world moving together.
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:
