Skoda has long sponsored major cycling races worldwide, most notably a 20-year partnership with the Tour de France where red lead cars and hundreds of support vehicles assist race operations.
In Vietnam, Skoda Vietnam co‑sponsored the VTV CUP 2024 Mountain Bike Race in Son La, supplying an orange Karoq as the lead car for an event that attracted 268 athletes.
The brand’s ties to bicycles date back to 1895 when founders Laurin & Klement began producing bicycles.
Skoda co‑sponsored the VTV CUP 2024 Mountain Bike Race in Van Ho, Son La, providing an orange Karoq as the event's lead car.
Skoda provides the iconic red lead car and around 250 support vehicles at the Tour de France; the lead car includes a panoramic sunroof, antennas, a siren and a command-communications centre for race operations.
Skoda traces its roots to 1895 when Václav Laurin and Václav Klement built bicycles under the L&K name; the brand emphasizes sustainability and long-distance comfort through its race sponsorships.
For a long time, Skoda has affirmed its position as a prestigious sponsor and official partner for many prestigious cycling races, accompanying athletes on their journey to conquer challenging roads. In Vietnam, Skoda Vietnam became a companion sponsor for the VTV CUP 2024 Mountain Bike Race in Son La.
Brand accompanying cycling races
With a passion for sports and a spirit of companionship, Skoda has become the official sponsor of many prestigious cycling races in the world. The most prominent is the 20-year cooperation with the Tour de France, the most prestigious cycling race in the world. The image of Skoda's red lead cars has become a familiar symbol, accompanying racers throughout their journey to conquer challenging roads.
The lead car and its support vehicles play a vital role in long-distance races like the Tour de France. The red Skoda lead car is equipped with a panoramic sunroof, antennas, a special siren and a state-of-the-art command-communications centre. This equipment allows information to be transmitted to and from the vehicle, and the Race Director can also give instructions and organise traffic in the participant area from here. The lead car is one of about 250 cars that Skoda provides for the Tour de France.
Sponsor for VTV CUP 2024 Mountain Bike Race
In Vietnam, Skoda made its mark by becoming a co-sponsor for the VTV CUP 2024 Mountain Bike Race in Son La. The striking orange Karoq became the lead car at the domestic race, attracting wide attention. The VTV Cup 2024 took place in Van Ho district, Son La province, as part of tourism promotion activities. The race attracted 268 athletes, including 218 amateur athletes and 50 professional athletes, divided into seven groups competing over distances of 10km, 12km and 25km. Immediately after the opening ceremony, athletes began thrilling competitions and exciting chases amid majestic natural scenery.
Bonding beyond the races
Like many long-standing car manufacturers, Skoda's journey has been closely linked to bicycles since its inception. In 1895, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, the two founders of Skoda, began producing bicycles under the name "L&K". Their passion for bicycles motivated continuous improvement and development, helping L&K and later Skoda become leading vehicle manufacturers in Europe.
Skoda also emphasizes sustainability and comfortable long-distance travel through its sponsorship of cycling competitions. Cycling events showcase mobility, durability and a spirit of exploration that align with the brand's values.