Our Cycling History


Since our humble beginnings as a bicycle company, our love for cycling has been absolute. After all, it’s in our blood.

That’s right, the Škoda story began not on four wheels, but two: with a bicycle called the ‘Slavia’, built in 1895 by our founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement. Besides their first names and a love for cycling, they had another thing in common: a strong inventive spirit.

Through this bond, the two friends went on to build some of the world’s formative motorcycles, which were soon winning races and breaking speed records. Encouraged by this success, they graduated to four wheels, and with the ‘Voiturette A’, started an automotive lineage that makes Škoda one of the oldest car manufacturers in the world.

But as the years have rolled on, Škoda’s passion for cycling remains strong. This shines through in our smart car design, with blind spot detection and area view, which help make the road safer for cyclists. We also have some clever, cyclist-friendly accessories like lockable bike carriers and food and drink coolers.

What’s more, we’ve launched an online platform dedicated to everything there is to love about cycling, which you can find more about below.

What's your Tour de?

Tour De Femmes

After a 33-year hiatus, the Tour De Femmes returned in 2022! And with eight Australians featuring across six teams, there was plenty of Aussie action to cheer about. Stage one begun in iconic fashion along the Champs-Élysées just prior to the men’s final stage concluding at the Paris landmark. It was a thrill to watch the brutal final stage, where the riders tackled the Super Planche des Belles Fille - knowing only one would ride away with the Maillot Jaune and be crowned Tour des Femmes Champion.

Škoda & The Tour de France

We’ve been the Tour de France’s official car supplier and partner since 2004. Since then, we’ve proven that behind every great bike is a great car. Our fleet of around 305 Škodas operates as neutral support vehicles, including road crews and logistic vehicles.

The Red Car

The Škoda Red Car is a technologically modified mobile command centre, from which the Tour Director manages the race. Fitted with six radio antennas and four radio channels, the Tour Director can remain in constant contact with race officials coordinating the Tour from the comfort of the Red Car.

Workshop on Wheels

The Škoda Superb's provide workshops on wheels that offer support, wheels, tires, and even a counselling service to riders in emergency situations.

Minibar

Being France, it’s not unexpected that there is a minibar on board, so the car also operates as a bijou hospitality suite, should a dignitary such as French President Emmanuel Macron decide to drop in a tad thirsty.

The perfect car for cyclists

Check out our wide range of features and optional accessories such as bike carriers and bike roof racks, which all add up to make Škoda the perfect ride for cyclists.

Škoda Kodiaq

• Four-wheel drive
• 7 seater
• No boot lip for easy loading
• Up to 2005-litre storage (5-seater)
• High towing capacity (up to 2000kg)
• High ground clearance
• Chilled glove compartment

 

Škoda Karoq

• Varioflex removable seating
• Lockable bike carriers
• Rack accessories
• Virtual pedal opens boot handsfree

Škoda Octavia

• Tow bar bike accessories
• Lockable bike carriers
• Velcro storage elements
• Chilled glove compartment

 

Škoda Superb

• Fits two adult bikes with rear seats folded
• Four-wheel drive option
• Lockable bike carriers
• Tour de France support fleet car
• Chilled glove compartment

 

Škoda Kamiq

> Roof Racks

> Lockable bike carriers

> Net programme

> Chilled glove compartment

 

Why we ride

Whether it’s riding solo or in a pack, few activities are as satisfying to both body and mind as cycling. So in an effort to enrich this experience, we’ve created an online platform that offers quality, compact content, covering all things cycling. And right now we’re giving the limelight to the ladies of the sport – a generally underrepresented group in the cycling world. Want to know how? Head to WeLoveCycling.com to find out all about it.