Tour de Chips (TdC) is a four-day cycling event that connects the most important centres of excellence in semiconductor technology design and manufacturing in Finland from Oulu via Tampere to Espoo. At the same time, it aims to highlight the importance of semiconductor chip-related technology for society, the economy and national security.
The event was held in its current form for the second time on 8-11 August 2025, sponsored by VTT, Murata, SemiQon, Okmetic and SiTime. In the Murata team, we were four enthusiastic cyclists. This travelogue contains the most important achievements and highlights of the journey.
Friday, August 8th, Oulu-Ylivieska 137 km
TdC began with a guided lecture held by the event’s chief architect Timo Aalto, where the basics of group driving, a more detailed schedule and operations at service points were discussed, among other things. As usual, Timo had planned and prepared things carefully and professionally. This year, there were 16 cyclists, half of whom were now for the first time. There were also representatives with a foreign background, so the official language of the event was English. There were no individual stage riders, but all participants were going to sit in their saddles throughout the tour. Some of the cyclists had already warmed up a bit for the event, of which Teemu Vasara from Murata can be highlighted as an example – he had cycled all the way from Espoo on his touring bike. In addition, two service team members and two cars joined in. At 11 a.m., we were able to start the journey accompanied by a group of local cheerleaders.
Timo Aalto gave an introductory briefing to the event at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland in Oulu
In front of the Ford Transit, the valuable representatives of the service team
The cycling started in sunny weather, which then continued nicely throughout the trip. Along Oulu’s well-maintained bicycle paths, we slowly reached the highway, where we were able to increase the average speed. Especially when cycling in pairs, the drafting effect is already very significant. Those riding at the front of the queue have to work harder, but the cyclists behind can get away with it much easier if they just stay close enough to the rider in front. Team Murata did its part in this relationship in an exemplary manner.
We took breaks about every hour and had lunch in Liminka. After this, we continued towards Ylivieska, pedaling along forested routes. There were three punctures and one crash during the trip, but luckily they survived with relatively minor scratches. In the evening, we arrived to the sauna and dinner at the singing and dance restaurant Hotel Käenpesä, where we got to introduce ourselves and get to know each other a little deeper than the surface. Many of the participants were united by a passionate cycling hobby and a certain kind of adventurous spirit.
On the way to Ylivieska, hills and bends were few and far between
Saturday, August 9th, Ylivieska-Kuortane 188 km
Saturday morning dawned cool but dry. When cycling in pairs, the person to talk to naturally changed every hour during breaks, and conversations took place in many ways along the way. Among other things, he became familiar with the cycling terrains of Britain, IC circuits operating in ultra-cold temperatures and the latest twists and turns in cycling technology. New things were also learned about Chinese semiconductor policy, sea kayaking and Micronova’s cleanroom, whose equipment is just being upgraded to 200 mm disc size.
We had lunch at restaurant Pelimanni in Kaustinen, from where we continued towards Kuortane. The cruising speed slowly increased towards the strategic limit of 30 km/h. There was one puncture, but otherwise we survived without any mishaps. In front of the Vimpeli S-Market, we happened to meet a VTT business traveler who was excited about our group’s journey and impressed enough to tentatively commit to joining us on next year’s trip. Before Kuortane, we had a playful tempo race, where the participants became familiar with the track technique – Michael, a representative of the Murata team, performed successfully in this race! At the Kuortane Sports Institute, we were able to go to the sauna, swim and have dinner in beautiful scenery and weather.
You have to eat well to be able to pedal again. Cooperation is also a strength when changing tires.
Kuortane Sports Institute’s lakeside sauna and lake view
A well-deserved dinner was enjoyed in Kuortane
Sunday, August 10th, Kuortane-Tampere 183 km
The cycling started in dry weather along Route 66. The travel speed was lowered a little, which ensured that everyone could handle the hilly journey all the way to Tampere. In Virrat, we had lunch at a kebab restaurant, which would have allowed us to cycle all the way to Hamina. After this, the journey continued through Lake Ruojärvi as the terrain became more and more hilly. Top speeds increased to over 60 km/h on downhills towards Teisko. This did not prevent the organization of a small tempo ride, where the fastest pedalers were able to release their extra energy into the hilly terrain.
During the trip, the energy was maintained with various exercise movements
Towards the end of the trip, the weekend’s return traffic behind us started to pile up, but with good cooperation with the service, we let the biggest queues pass us by taking a couple of small extra breaks. At the end of the day, we arrived at Hotel Hermica in Hervanta, Tampere, where we got to the sauna again and from there to dinner at the restaurant Speakeasy, chosen by the local tour representative Janne.
There was always a good selection of tasty snacks available at the rest areas, in this case in the middle of the forest
Arrival at Hotel Hermica in Hervanta, Tampere
Monday, August 11th, Tampere-Espoo 188 km
At breakfast we realized that today we need sunscreen even more, because the day was going to be almost cloudless. We started cycling in beautiful scenery through the ridges of Kangasala and Kaivanto towards Hämeenlinna. We took a longer break at the beautiful rest area of Ilmalanlahti, from where we continued to admire the views of Aulanko and Häme Castle. We had lunch at Linnatuuli Neste in Janakkala, after which it was time for the final downhill trip to Espoo.
There were plenty of great scenery on Monday’s stage. In the second photo, Team Murata at the Ilmalanlahti rest area (Michael Hall, Mikko Partanen, Tuomas Kalliovaara and Teemu Vasara).
Group posing at Aulanko. Häme Castle in the background.
As Hyvinkää approached, we organized one more small tempo ride to refresh the travelers. Michael represented Murata victoriously while others were already taking it a bit easier at this stage. After ring road three, there was a small city orienteering ahead, after which we were able to turn into the Micronova yard to the applause of the local audience. At Micronova’s premises, we were able to enjoy a light dinner, sauna and a bubble drink once again. This is how the event got a worthy ending.
Tour de Chips at the finish line in front of Micronova
Epilogue
The event was also a great success this year and the participants had a good team spirit throughout the trip. A big thank you for this goes to the event’s chief architect Timo Aalto and the professional maintenance team. The importance of sponsors was also considerable. Of the themes, the social importance of semiconductor technology and the role of cycling in everyday exercise were well highlighted.
A total of 16 cyclists took part in the event, all of whom successfully cycled the entire 700 km distance. The average speed was measured according to the group’s cycling experience, and it rose to about 29 km/h this year. A road bike is a recommended means of transport, as it makes the journey easy even with a slightly weaker fitness base. Other bikes are also suitable, but this already requires some hobby.
We are already planning Tour de Chips 2026!
Over and out.
Links
VTT: Tour de Chips -pyöräily Oulusta Espooseen tuo esiin siruteknologian tärkeyttä (in Finnish only)
Murata Finland Instagram
Murata Finland Facebook
Murata LinkedIn
Mikko Partanen
Manager, MEMS Design
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