The final Italian stage takes us back to Robbiate – an homecoming surrounded by nature, innovation, and powerful emotions
Diego Ghislandi | 1. July 2025
The final day of our igus:bike tour in Italy has a special flavor. After two weeks pedaling from Milan to Siena, passing through cities, meeting customers and sharing stories, today the bike decides to close the loop and return home – to the igus Italy headquarters in Robbiate.
To end on a high note, we invited a true special guest: Sergio Villa, former country manager of igus Italy, now retired. Sergio has followed us stage by stage via the blog, but today he’s here with us in person. He’s a passionate cyclist, and you can tell right away from the smile on his face as he tells us what it meant to see this tour come to life. For over 25 years, he contributed to the growth of the company, and today he brings us an energy that goes far beyond words.
Welcoming us as well is a familiar face: Marcello Mandelli, one of our current 3 country managers. Luca, Giulio and Marcello were with us at the very first stage in Milan. Today, Marcello joins us again, this time also acting as our guide along the Adda River. The day begins with a visit to Imbersago, and then we hop on our bikes and ride along the river, surrounded by nature, history and some truly breathtaking views.
Two spots leave a lasting impression: the Leonardo Da Vinci Ferry, a true icon of innovation and sustainable mobility – just like our bike. Without a motor, it moves using only the river’s current. And the San Michele Bridge, also known as the Paderno Bridge, a stunning feat of engineering suspended between past and future.
Along the route, we meet many people who followed and made the Italian stage possible: we therefore decide to ask them to share a quick thought. What comes out is a mix of genuine emotions, excitement, a little bit of tiredness – but above all, pride. Because riding was great, but doing it while telling a story, sharing a vision and promoting a material that can change the rules of the game… that’s something else entirely.
I must say that this bike tour has been a great experience and I rediscovered the joy of cycling, in town, in those incredible places… I’m convinced our igus:bike really deserves its place on the Italian roads.
– Marie Olyve
This tour has been a great experience, both in terms of teamwork and professional growth, and I hope there will be other opportunities like this in the future.
– Miram Valentino
Having the chance to meet our customers, to witness their “genius” and how they use igus products to create innovative applications – this has been really great to me.
– Diego Ghislandi
Now, the bike is ready to leave Italy and head to Switzerland. The tour goes on, but a piece of our heart stays here. Thank you for joining us on this journey. And… stay tuned for the next adventures of the igus:bike tour!
Our riders:
Marcello Mandelli
I’m Marcello Mandelli, 51, from Robbiate. I manage igus Italy daily with Giulio, Luca, and a whole skilled team. When I was a bit more “fit” physically, I did diving, biking, hiking, skiing. Beside sports, I love finding “special” restaurants. I’m on the tour to promote a product that supports the circular economy and recycled plastics – a green challenge full of opportunities.
Map of the tour
