Czech automobile manufacturer Skoda has confirmed a renewal of its top-tier sponsorship of the Tour de France under a wide-ranging five-year deal with the cycling race’s organising body Amaury Sports Organisation.
Skoda first partnered with the Tour de France in 2004 and will now retain its top-tier position alongside supermarket chain Carrefour, food conglomerate Nestle and French bank LCL. With the exception of Carrefour, all companies are now signed up to partner the race until 2018.
Additionally, Skoda’s deal also includes the Vuelta a España, one of cycling’s three Grand Tours alongside the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, and eight other international cycling races organised by ASO. Skoda has been a partner of the Vuelta since 2011.
At the Tour de France, Skoda will continue to serve as the event’s official vehicle partner and the sponsor of the white jersey, which denotes the race’s leading rider under the age of 26. The 2013 young riders’ classification was won by Colombia’s Nairo Quintana.
“Through extending our engagement at the Tour de France and other famous classics, we reaffirm our close relationship with cycling,” Skoda chief executive Dr Winfried Vahland said. “Škoda 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.”