Stage 8: Engineering, teamwork and a “bicycle kick”

Michael Poepke | 10. March 2026

Some stages of the igus:bike journey are about landscapes.
 Others are about people and collaboration.

Stage 8 of the igus:bike worldtour in Brazil is all about teamwork — beginning with a visit to one of our long-time partners in the agricultural machinery industry and ending with a memorable evening at one of the country’s most modern football stadiums.

A visit to Kuhn in Paraná

The day began with a visit to KUHN do Brasil, located in São José dos Pinhais.

Part of the global KUHN Group, the company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of agricultural machinery, developing equipment that supports farmers in planting, soil preparation, fertilization and crop management. With nearly two centuries of history, the brand has become synonymous with innovation and efficiency in modern agriculture.

At the facility, the igus team organized a small activation with the collaborators, including a brief exhibition of igus products used in various industrial and agricultural applications. The visit quickly turned into a great opportunity for conversation and exchange.

Inside the factory, engineers from both companies gathered for a technical discussion about applications, challenges and solutions for moving components in demanding environments. Moments like these are always valuable — when engineering teams from different companies share knowledge and ideas.

It was a reminder that strong partnerships are built not only through products, but through dialogue and collaboration.

From engineering to football

After the visit, the journey continued to one of Curitiba’s most iconic landmarks: the Ligga Arena, home of the Club Athletico Paranaense.

But for the igus team, this stadium carried an extra layer of history.

More than a decade earlier, in 2014, igus had already been there during a campaign called iglidur on tour, when a small demonstration vehicle traveled across Brazil presenting igus tribo-polymer technologies in different locations — including this very stadium.

Returning there years later with the igus:bike felt like a small full-circle moment.

A Brazilian “bicycle kick”

Football and bicycles are not usually part of the same sentence — except in Brazil.

Here, one of the most spectacular plays in football is called a “gol de bicicleta”, when a player kicks the ball overhead while falling backward.

Standing inside the stadium, the team could not resist the idea.

So the igus:bike scored its own version of a “bicycle kick” moment — not with a ball, but with the bike itself.

It was a light and playful reminder that innovation journeys can also have moments of fun.

Conversations, dinner and shared ideas

The evening continued with dinner at the stadium, where the conversations moved beyond engineering and into stories, experiences and ideas for the future.

Moments like these often become the most memorable parts of a journey.

The journey continues

Stage 8 brought together engineering, partnership and a touch of Brazilian football culture.

From factory floors to stadium lights, every stop of the igus:bike journey adds another layer to the story.

And with the wheels still turning, the journey continues.

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: