Mladá Boleslav, 15 May 2025 — Škoda Auto has officially announced a two-year partnership with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), becoming an Official Partner of both the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships and the UCI Gravel World Championships. This strategic alliance not only reaffirms Škoda’s deeply rooted connection to cycling but also amplifies the brand’s commitment to adventure, versatility, and sustainability.
A Modern Brand with 130 Years of Cycling Heritage
At the heart of Škoda’s DNA lies a passion for cycling that spans more than a century. Founded in 1895 by Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, the Czech carmaker began as a bicycle manufacturer in Mladá Boleslav. Today, 130 years later, Škoda’s commitment to two-wheeled mobility continues to shape its brand ethos and partnerships.
“At Škoda Auto, cycling has been part of our DNA ever since our founders established the company 130 years ago,” said Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “We are proud to expand our involvement with the UCI to include their elite mountain bike and gravel competitions. Our aim is to bring our brand closer to cycling and outdoor enthusiasts — people who, like our customers, love everyday exploration.”
Elevating the Experience at World-Class Events
The UCI Mountain Bike and Gravel World Championships are among the most thrilling and widely followed competitions in cycling, drawing over 25 million television viewers annually and tens of thousands of in-person spectators. The 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships will take place in the Swiss canton of Valais from 30 August to 14 September, featuring 27 titles across formats such as Olympic cross-country, downhill, enduro, E-MTB, and pump track.
Later in the year, the gravel discipline will take center stage in the South Limburg region of the Netherlands, a fitting location for a sport that thrives on mixed terrain and has captivated both amateur and elite cyclists alike. Škoda’s presence at both venues will include interactive fan zones and dedicated showcases of its electrified vehicle range, including battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid models (PHEVs).
A Strategic Play for a Lifestyle-Centric Audience
Škoda’s renewed commitment to elite cycling is more than a celebration of its past — it is a bold move towards a future aligned with active, environmentally conscious lifestyles. By partnering with the UCI’s flagship off-road and gravel events, Škoda not only enhances its visibility among global cycling fans but also strengthens its position as the go-to automotive brand for customers who embrace exploration and sustainability.
“This exciting new partnership reflects our commitment to sustainability, but above all, it supports one of our core values: being human,” Jahn added. “Ultimately, UCI competitions are about people — professional cyclists — achieving extraordinary things.”
Cycling Sponsorship at the Core of Škoda’s Brand Strategy
Škoda Auto has been a prominent figure in professional cycling for over 20 years. In addition to the UCI partnership, Škoda maintains a long-standing relationship with the Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), organiser of iconic races such as the Tour de France and La Vuelta. Its support extends to the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and other prestigious one-day events including La Flèche Wallonne.
Škoda’s engagement with the cycling world is not limited to sponsorship. Its catalogue includes a curated range of bicycles and cycling accessories, offering customers a tangible link between the brand’s heritage and modern mobility solutions.
Looking Ahead
With the mountain bike and gravel segments continuing to grow in popularity worldwide, Škoda’s timely collaboration with the UCI places the brand squarely at the intersection of sport, innovation, and lifestyle. As the company enters its 131st year, its journey — from humble bicycle makers to pioneers in sustainable mobility — comes full circle, reinforcing that sometimes the road forward begins on two wheels.
