Stage 3: Canals & Tides
Maria Siopi | 8. September 2025
Stage 3 of the igus:bike tour is all about water – from the canals of Amsterdam to the tides of the Dutch coast. It’s a journey that combines innovative solutions for plastic waste, the historic waterways of the capital, and one of the most impressive feats of Dutch engineering: the Afsluitdijk.
A bubbly start: The Great Bubble Barrier
The day begins at the Westerdoksplein in Amsterdam. Just like igus, this initiative is committed to reducing plastic waste and giving materials a second life through recycling.
Once we arrive at the location, Justine interviews Carla Wessels, the Marketing and Communication Director of The Great Bubble Barrier. It’s fascinating to see the project in action while Carla explains the ins and outs of how it works. She goes on to say that she definitely sees potential for a future business partnership with igus.
The technology of The Great Bubble Barrier is both simple and ingenious: a curtain of air bubbles is released from a perforated tube placed diagonally across the riverbed. The rising bubbles push floating plastics to the surface and guide them towards a catchment system, all without obstructing boats or aquatic life.
For Mark and Justine, who are passionate about cycling sustainably, it’s inspiring to see how creativity and engineering can go hand in hand to protect the environment – a fitting start for day 3 of the igus bike tour in the Netherlands.
Pedaling through history: Amsterdam’s Canals
From there, the cycling route begins in the Amsterdam canals. Amsterdam boasts over 100 kilometers of canals, 1,500 bridges, and 90 islands. These waterways are not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a vital part of the city’s identity.
The canals, originally built during the Dutch Golden Age, were designed for trade, defense, and city expansion. Today, they form the perfect cycling stage, allowing the riders to experience Amsterdam’s living history up close.
As they bike through Amsterdam they pass Keizersgracht, Rembrandtplein, Museumplein and the Rijksmuseum. During the Amsterdam stage, the igus bike rides past some of the city’s most iconic sights. The route winds along the charming Keizersgracht, through the vibrant Rembrandtplein, and continues past the cultural hotspot of Museumplein.
A highlight of the route is the world-renowned Rijksmuseum – a symbol of Dutch heritage, innovation, and art. It’s a stunning ride where engineering, sustainability, and culture meet in one of Europe’s most iconic capitals.
Riding towards the sea: The Afsluitdijk
In the afternoon, Mark and Justine leave the city behind and head north, following the water towards one of the Netherlands’ greatest engineering achievements: The Afsluitdijk.
Completed in 1932, this 32-kilometer-long dam sealed off the Zuiderzee from the North Sea, creating the freshwater lake IJsselmeer. The project not only offered flood protection but also reclaimed land for agriculture, securing food supplies for generations.
Since 2018, the Afsluitdijk has been undergoing large-scale reinforcement. Not only to withstand heavier storms, but also to generate energy. Solar panels and flow energy installations are being installed, and even a trial with a fish migration river has been initiated to allow fish to move between salt and fresh water.
Today, The Afsluitdijk remains vital for Dutch water management while offering cyclists like Mark and Justine a spectacular ride between endless skies and seas.
Canals & Tides united
Day 3 of igus bike tour in the Netherlands beautifully connects past and present: from the historic canals of Amsterdam to cutting-edge innovations like The Great Bubble Barrier, and finally to the Afsluitdijk – a timeless reminder of the Dutch battle with water.
For riders Mark van de Waal and Justine Burcham, it was a stage where engineering, sustainability, and history flowed together, proving once again that cycling is the perfect way to explore how people and water have shaped each other through the centuries.
Get ready for an unforgettable ride through one of the Netherlands’ most dynamic cities! On Day 4, the igus bike tour brings us to Rotterdam — a city known for its bold architecture, buzzing energy, and cutting-edge spirit.
We’ll be cycling across not one, but two of the city’s most iconic bridges: the striking Erasmusbrug and the classic Willemsbrug. We’re picking up the pace again — lots of cycling, lots of sights, and lots of good vibes. Rotterdam, here we come!
Our riders:
Justine Burcham
In my role as a Marketing Assistant, I work on a variety of projects. The opportunity to contribute new ideas and apply creativity makes this position even more exciting. One of the highlights is supporting the igus:bike tour – a unique initiative that showcases our commitment to sustainability and innovation. This experience, among others, allows me to contribute to the growth of igus.
Mark van de Waal
I joined igus on November 1, 2010, and have now been working at this innovative company for almost 15 years with great pleasure. During that time, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of positions – from inside sales and product management to online marketing, and now as marketing manager.
What makes working at igus so special? Every day is different! Thanks to the enormous drive for innovation, the work always remains challenging and inspiring. A good example of this is the igus:bike tour, where innovation and sustainability literally come together.
Map of the stage:
