Škoda at the start of its 20th Tour de France: the love affair with cycling continues

• Škoda at the start of the Tour de France since 2004, a 20th consecutive participation

• Partner of the Green Jersey since 2015: in 2023, its design will evolve and take on the colors of the new Škoda graphic charter

• Škoda will once again partner the Tour de France Femmes with Zwift

• Škoda began its activity in 1895 by producing bicycles

• Its WeLoveCycling program brings together the largest community of cyclists in France

Major partner and supplier of vehicles for the Grande Boucle, Škoda at the start, on July 1, 2023, the start of the Tour de France for the 20th consecutive time. Since 2004, the Czech manufacturer has supplied the official cars for the entire A.S.O. organization. on the Tour de France, including the legendary car n°1 of Race Director Christian Prudhomme. Škoda’s partnership on the Grande Boucle will obviously once again be embodied by the sponsorship of the Green Jersey, which began in 2015 and rewards the best sprinter in the Grande Boucle. In addition, the manufacturer will be a partner of the Tour de France Femmes for the 2nd consecutive year. This investment and loyalty of Škoda to the Tours de France demonstrates how much Škoda has been committed to cycling since its creation and continues to write its love story with cycling.

An important anniversary for Škoda and A.S.O. on the Tour de France

The car manufacturer and organizer of the Tour de France sporting event, A.S.O., continues its commitment to the transformation of the Tour. Škoda will supply all official Tour de France cars for the organization: 10 vehicles for the management teams (2 Kodiaq TDI / 2 Superb iV / 6 Octavia iV) and 93 cars for the Tour de France (45 Octavia iV / 47 Superb iV/1 convertible as a medical car). 100% of the cars used by the organization in the race will be 100% electrified, plug-in hybrid or electric models.

Škoda will also equip numerous cycling teams, partners and service providers present on the Tour (France TV, Senseo, LCL, Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiac, FDJ, etc.). In total, more than 250 Škoda vehicles will cover the 2023 Tour de France between Bilbao and Paris. Perfectly aligned with the CSR policy of the Tour de France, Škoda will also exclusively use 100% electric cars to surround its chariot within the caravan itself.

Finally, for the 2nd consecutive year, keen to support women’s sport, Škoda will once again be a partner of the Tour de France Femmes. 33 vehicles are planned for the organization.

Škoda and the Green Jersey

Since 2015, Škoda has been the official sponsor of the Green Jersey which rewards the winner of the points classification of the Tour de France. This distinction, one of the most difficult to obtain, is awarded to the rider who has distinguished himself as the best sprinter during the stage finishes in question or intermediate sprints. Physical prowess, endurance and creativity are rewarded! During each stage, points are awarded at the finish and during intermediate sprints in the road stages. The jersey is handed out live by the Škoda hosts and hostesses after each stage. For this year 2023, a new jersey in the colors of the new graphic charter and logo of the Czech manufacturer will be offered, just like on the Tour de France Women.

Škoda and the 2023 Tour de France in a few figures

• 20th Tour de France with Škoda (since 2004)

• 9th edition with Škoda partner of the Green Jersey (since 2015)

• 100% of the organization’s cars in the race in plug-in hybrid or 100% electric versions: Enyaq iV, Octavia iV and Superb iV

• More than 250 Škoda cars in total on the Tour de France

• 1 Škoda Auto ambassador, winner in 2010, present throughout the Tour de France, Andy SCHLECK

• 1 web platform: www.skodawelovecycling.fr

• 1 advertising caravan with 100% electric accompanying vehicles

• 1 stand at the Departure Village

• 1 green turn on each stage

Škoda and cycling, a long history

This longevity within the Grande Boucle corresponds well to the values and history of the Czech manufacturer, particularly attached to cycling. The founding fathers of the Czech car manufacturer, Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement, laid the foundations for the success story of Škoda AUTO in Mladá Boleslav as early as 1895 with the establishment of a bicycle factory, ten years before their first automobile.

The Czech car manufacturer’s commitment to cycling is key to Škoda’s sponsorship strategy, partner of numerous cycling races around the world, including Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, La Flèche Wallonne, Paris-Nice, the Critérium du Dauphiné, La Vuelta and the legendary Tour de France. Škoda is also a partner of the French Cycling Federation in support of French Cycling Schools and alongside French teams throughout the season in France and abroad. Bicycles and accessories have also been part of Škoda’s extensive product range for many years.

On the other hand, in 2016, Škoda also launched its own program called Škoda We Love Cycling which brings together all cycling enthusiasts (road, mountain bike, triathlon) within a community. The objective is to share your passion for riding and to live unique and friendly experiences within We Love Cycling clubs or with “teams” sponsored by renowned champions and ambassadors giving regular meetings to all lovers biking. The program currently brings together the largest community of cyclists with 28,000 members.