Stage 3: Riding Through History, Finishing with Innovation – The Wintersteiger Experience
Michael Poepke | 14. July 2025
Stage 3 of the igus:bike Tour Austria takes us through Ried im Innkreis, a vibrant town in Upper Austria where historic character meets forward-thinking innovation. Our guide for this stage is Franz Hemetsberger, Technical Sales Representative for drytech® Bearing Technology and Linear Technology, serving Salzburg and western Upper Austria. Together with the lightweight, maintenance-free igus:bike, Franz sets out to explore a unique mix of cultural landmarks and high-tech milestones — culminating in a visit to Wintersteiger AG, one of Austria’s most forward-looking companies.
A Peaceful Start: Stadtpark Ried
We begin our ride in the Stadtpark Ried, a tranquil green space at the edge of the town center. The park features sculptures, old trees, and carefully maintained walking paths — ideal for a moment of calm before the tour begins. Originally designed for public recreation, today the park is also home to small cultural events and offers scenic views of the town’s skyline.
Power & Myth: Neptunbrunnen
Not far from the park is the elegant Neptunbrunnen, a sculpted fountain honoring the Roman god of the sea. It reflects Ried’s blend of mythological grandeur and urban artistry — a timeless reminder that beauty often lies in the details.
Cultural Tribute: Franz Stelzhamer Monument
Continuing through the town center, we pause at the Franz Stelzhamer Monument, dedicated to the famous poet and lyricist of Upper Austria’s state anthem. His work in regional dialect helped shape the cultural identity of the area, and his bronze likeness now watches over the town’s daily rhythm.
Artisan Heritage: Schwanthaler Haus
Just a few turns away lies the Schwanthaler Haus, a museum and tribute to Ried’s most famous sculptor family. Their legacy, rooted in baroque ecclesiastical art, lives on in sacred buildings across Central Europe — and in the heart of their hometown.
Baroque Grandeur: Church of St. Peter and Paul
Next, Franz stops at the Pfarrkirche St. Peter und Paul, a striking baroque church with rich interior artwork, ornate altars, and twin towers that define Ried’s skyline. It stands not just as a place of worship but as an architectural anchor in the city’s spiritual and artistic narrative.
Civic Heart: Ried Town Hall
Passing into the bustling Hauptplatz, we reach the Rathaus — a prominent landmark that combines historical charm with modern governance. Its late-Gothic façade and decorative tower give it a distinctive character. The Town Hall has served as Ried’s administrative core for centuries and is a frequent site for civic ceremonies and public events.
Medieval Memory: Schärdinger Tor
The Schärdinger Tor, a well-preserved historical gate, reminds us of Ried’s medieval origins. Once part of the city’s fortifications, it now stands as a proud link to the past in the midst of a vibrant modern town.
Founding Legend: Dietmarbrunnen
In the heart of the city lies the Dietmarbrunnen, a fountain honoring Ried’s founder, Dietmar of Chiemgau. It’s a peaceful spot to reflect on the region’s long history before heading into the future.
A Stop at a Local Icon: Rieder Bier Brewery
Before leaving Ried, we make a brief stop at the Rieder Bier Brewery, one of Austria’s oldest private breweries. Founded in 1536, the brewery is a proud symbol of the region’s long-standing beer culture and craftsmanship. While we didn’t sample the brews this time, just pausing outside its historic facade was a reminder of the deep-rooted traditions that continue to shape life in the Innviertel — where innovation and heritage often go hand in hand.
Engineering in Action: Wintersteiger AG & the igus Bike Wash
Our stage ends at Wintersteiger AG, a global innovator in precision machinery. Originally known for ski service equipment, the company now produces advanced systems for agriculture, woodworking, and bike services. We’re here for a live demo of their automated Bike Wash station — a touchless, water-saving, and efficient solution that brings a new standard of cleanliness to urban and rental fleets.
The igus:bike gets its well-deserved treatment, and Franz meets the Wintersteiger engineering team to explore how motion plastics from igus can further enhance machine longevity and reduce maintenance — especially in outdoor, water-exposed environments.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Ride
From historic fountains and churches to city gates and innovative bike tech, Stage 3 is a story of contrasts — and connections. It’s about honoring heritage while embracing what’s next.
As Franz parks the freshly washed igus:bike with a smile, one thing is clear: the ride may end here, but the journey of innovation, collaboration, and movement keeps rolling on.
Stay tuned — more stages ahead!
Our rider:
Franz Hemetsberger
I’m Franz Hemetsberger from Austria, and I’ve been part of the igus Austria sales team since November 2019. My region includes Salzburg and western Upper Austria, where I support our customers on site with technical advice—covering plain bearings, linear technology, drive technology, low-cost automation, and 3D printing.
What I enjoy most about my job is the variety. Every application is different, and I get to see firsthand how igus products bring motion to machines in smart, simple, and cost-effective ways. Whether it’s helping a customer find the right linear axis or integrating a 3D-printed component into a prototype, the practical side of our solutions never stops fascinating me.
Map of this stage:
