Stage 5: The Amstel Gold Race mini
Maria Siopi | 10. September 2025
After several days on the road, Stage 5 of the igus bike tour brought riders Mark van de Waal and Justine Burcham into the heart of South Limburg. The route may be modest in length, but what it lacks in distance it makes up for in charm, history, and significance. The team climbed steadily toward the Vaalserberg, the highest point in the Netherlands, where three countries meet.
At the top, a special moment awaited: the official handover of the igus bike to Tim Küsters, marketing manager of igus Belgium.
Sustainability You Can Ride
At the heart of this tour lies our theme sustainability, recycling and innovation which we proceed to prove on the igus bike — a bicycle designed not just for performance, but for planet-first thinking.
Made almost entirely of high-performance plastics, many of which are recycled, the igus bike is corrosion-free, lubricant-free, and nearly maintenance-free. But it’s most important feature might just be what it represents: the future of mobility, powered by teamwork, innovation, and sustainable thinking.
Where traditional bikes use metal parts that rust and wear over time, the igus bike offers an alternative: components that last longer, require less upkeep, and can be fully recycled at the end of their lifecycle.
In an age where throwaway culture still dominates, that’s a meaningful shift. Every kilometer ridden during the tour was a real-world demonstration of what circular design can look like in motion.
Riding through the south of the Netherlands
“South Limburg feels like stepping into another world,” Justine said. Unlike the flat polder landscapes most people associate with the Netherlands, here the land rolls in green hills.
For cyclists, this is sacred ground. The famous Amstel Gold Race, the country’s only professional classic, is battled out every spring on these same climbs. “We are doing the ‘mini’ version,” Mark laughed, “but trust me, the legs still feel it!”
The three-Country Point
Reaching the Three-Country Point at the top of the Vaalserberg is more than just a physical milestone. At 322.4 meters above sea level, it’s the highest spot in the Netherlands – but it’s also one of the most international. One step puts you in Belgium, another in Germany, and a few meters back in the Netherlands.
“This place really captures the spirit of our tour,” Justine reflected. “We’re crossing borders, connecting people, and showing what sustainable mobility can look like in every country.”
We end our igus bike tour in the south of the Netherlands with much gratitude and high spirits.
“This whole tour has been about crossing borders,” Mark noted. “Between countries, yes, but also between industries, ideas, and mindsets. We’re showing that sustainable innovation can be shared across borders — just like this bike.”
A symbolic handover
At the top, surrounded by colleagues, the igus bike and the panoramic views across three countries, Mark and Justine completed their task: handing the igus bike to Tim Kusters of igus Belgium and completing their journey across The Netherlands, visiting 3 customers and highlighting sights throughout the country that where significant for our tour. This week symbolizes more than a change of hands. Just as the Vaalserbergconnects nations, the igus bike tour continues to connect people across borders, carrying with it the message of innovation and sustainable mobility.
The igus bike tour in The Netherlands has showed us how much can be packed into just a few kilometers: a challenging ride, breathtaking scenery, a meeting of cultures, and a celebration of progress!
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.
Maps of the stage:
