“Through extending our engagement at the Tour de France and other famous classics, we reaffirm our close relationship with cycling,” says Skoda CEO, Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “Skoda plans to grow further as an international volume brand in the coming years with the most comprehensive model campaign in corporate history. Our continued strong presence in cycling supports the long-term image and the international awareness of the brand. Additionally, this sponsorship reflects an almost 119-year tradition that the brand has had with cycling in a very special way.” It was with bicycle manufacture that Skoda’s founding fathers Laurin and Klement first laid the foundation stone for the future success of Skoda in 1895.
“Skoda has been a strong and reliable partner for international cycling events for ten years. I personally feel that my ŠKODA during the race is more than just a car; it is my office and the place where I spend most of my day,” says Christian Prudhomme, Cycling Director of A.S.O. and Director of the Tour de France. “We are very pleased to be continuing our successful cooperation with the dynamically growing brand over the next five years.”
Skoda has been official partner and official vehicle partner and sponsor of the White Jersey in the Tour de France since 2004. “The third largest sporting event in the world is a great opportunity for us to present the brand and models to a global audience,” says Werner Eichhorn, Skoda Board Member for Sales and Marketing. Last year, around 12 million cycling fans cheered along the route.
Each year over 200 Skoda vehicles travel 2.8 million kilometres during Tour de France. In the last 10 years, 28 million kilometres has been covered. In all this time, not a single car has broken down due to a technical defect.
