Stage 7: Engineering, solar energy and araucaria forests
Michael Poepke | 6. March 2026
Some stages of the igus:bike journey are about landscapes.
Others are about partnerships.
Stage 7 of the igus:bike worldtour in Brazil brought both together during a special visit to Brafer Construções Metálicas, a long-time partner working on large-scale energy and infrastructure projects.
A warm welcome at Brafer
We were welcomed by Pasquale S. Garofani Tsingos, Brafer CEO who received the team with genuine enthusiasm.
What made the moment even more special is that Pasquale is also a cycling enthusiast. So the conversation started naturally with bikes, movement and the idea behind the igus:bike worldtour.
From there, the discussion quickly expanded to something both companies share: a commitment to engineering solutions that support the energy transition.
During the interview, Pasquale explained some of the sustainability initiatives Brafer has been developing, especially in projects related to renewable energy and solar infrastructure.
It was a great example of how engineering companies across different sectors are working toward the same goal — building solutions for a more sustainable future.
Riding toward solar energy
After the visit, instead of simply pointing us toward the next location, Pasquale suggested doing it the best possible way — by bike.
He joined the ride and guided the igus:bike along a newly built cycling path that runs through beautiful Araucaria forests, a landscape that is characteristic of southern Brazil.
The route leads toward UFV Campina das Pedras, a photovoltaic power plant located nearby.
It was one of those moments where the tour’s themes came together perfectly: movement, nature, engineering and renewable energy.
Solar trackers and motion technology
At the solar plant, the connection between igus and Brafer becomes very tangible.
Brafer develops solar tracker structures that allow photovoltaic panels to follow the movement of the sun throughout the day, increasing energy generation efficiency.
And inside these systems, motion components play a crucial role.
Among them are the igus igubal ESQM solar bearings, used in the tracker structures to support the movement of the solar modules.
These bearings are made from high-performance polymers resistant to UV radiation and designed specifically for solar applications. Because they operate without lubrication, they eliminate the need for grease or oil — an important advantage in large outdoor solar parks.
This means:
• no maintenance
• no lubrication
• no risk of contaminating the environment
• and long-term reliability in demanding outdoor conditions.
The bearings also allow angular compensation and support high loads while remaining lightweight and corrosion-free — characteristics that are essential for solar tracker systems operating in open environments for decades.
In fact, igus solar bearings have been successfully used in solar parks around the world for more than 15 years, helping operators reduce maintenance costs and improve long-term system reliability.
Seeing these components applied in real projects alongside Brafer’s structures was a powerful reminder of how collaboration between engineering companies drives innovation in renewable energy.
Araucaria landscapes and a perfect ending
Before leaving the site, the team took a moment to capture the final images of the day — the igus:bike arriving at the solar plant surrounded by the iconic Araucaria angustifolia trees that define the landscape of the region.
It was a quiet and symbolic scene.
A bike made from motion plastics.
Solar panels tracking the sun.
Engineering companies working together toward cleaner energy.
Sometimes a stage of the journey simply connects all the dots.
Movement that powers the future
Stage 7 showed once again that the igus:bike World Tour is not just about cycling or technology.
It is about partnerships, shared ideas and the many forms that innovation can take.
From steel structures to motion plastics, from solar trackers to forest cycling paths, every part of the journey contributes to the same direction: building a more sustainable future.
And with that, the igus:bike continues its path — one partnership, one landscape and one innovation at a time. We thank Brafer for all the partnership and warm welcome of the Tour!
Our riders:
Marcelo Fialkowski – FGBU Specialist at igus do Brasil
My name is Marcelo Fialkowski, and I have been part of igus Brazil since 2016.
Over the past three years, I have been responsible for the FGBU product line nationwide, overseeing six business units with high growth potential and applications across multiple industrial segments.
I began my journey with the drytech team, where I was responsible for the entire state of Paraná. With the region’s consistent growth, we structured the expansion of the team and now have three dedicated technical consultants supporting our local customers.
After 10 years representing igus, I remain motivated by constant innovation and by the challenge of driving new business, always focused on sustainable growth and value creation for the market.
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:
