Skoda Auto Extends Partnership with Tour de France

BOTANY, AUSTRALIA – April 6, 2010: Skoda Auto has made an agreement with the A.S.O. company, the rights owner, to continue the partnership with Tour de France until 2013. Skoda Auto extension of the cooperation which started in 2004, ensures the company remains the main partner of the most famous bicycle race in the world. Skoda Auto is also the sponsor of the white jersey for the best rider under 25.

"Our engagement in the major project of international cycle racing continues to be one of the pillars of our sponsorship strategy, which has proved to be a great basis for related projects on individual national levels. As a result, this multiplies and increases the value of our engagement even more. The most significant project in this respect is the partnership with Giro d'Italia, supported by an Italian importer, and active engagement in events for cycling enthusiasts of all ages, such as, for example, Tour Down Under and UCI Road Cycling World Championships in Australia, Bike for Life in the Czech Republic, Škoda Velothon Berlin in Germany or Tour de Romandie in Switzerland,“ said Martin Lauer, Head of Škoda Auto Corporate Communications.

In 2010, Škoda Auto continues to support 8 professional cycling teams - Cofidis, Cervélo Test, Francaise des Jeux, Euskateltel – Euskadi, Milram, Rabobank, Saxo Bank, Silence-lotto and two technical assistance teams – Shimano, Mavic.

The grand start of the 97th Tour de France, the so-called "Grand Départ", will take place in the Dutch city of Rotterdam this year and, besides the Netherlands, the Tour will visit France and Belgium as well. The riders will start on 3 July, 2010, and cover a total distance of 3,596 kilometres in 20 stages. They will break the finishing tape on Champs-Élysées in Paris on 25 July, 2010.