The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

SKODA UK extends support of Matrix Vulpine cycling team


skoda

March 18, 2014: Partnership will also see Matrix Vulpine squad boosted with ŠKODA Octavia team vehicle for next two years ŠKODA UK’s continued support comes as professional female cyclists struggle to secure corporate sponsors

Milton Keynes, 18 MARCH 2014 – ŠKODA UK is pleased to announce that it will extend and increase its support of elite female cycling team, Matrix Vulpine, until 2015.

The continued partnership, which began in March last year, will see the manufacturer work closely with the team on a number of projects through to 2015, they will also run an Octavia Estate Elegance 2.0 TDi support car. As the Official Partner to the top flight women’s squad, the agreement gives the academy-based team security as it looks to develop greater opportunities for female cyclists in the UK.

Team Manager, Stefan Wyman, comments: “ŠKODA’s continued support has ensured the long-term stability of the squad, allowing us to sign leading talent, such as Sigrid Jochems, and invest in the riders like never before. A high-profile and committed partner is something we never take for granted - we intend to do ŠKODA proud during 2014 and beyond.”

Taking on its fourth season in 2013, the ten-strong squad was supported by the car manufacturer’s flagship Superb Estate Elegance 2.0 TDi as it competed in The Johnson Health Tech GP series, the National Series of road events, and in UCI competitions across Europe.

Stefan continues: “Having the professionally equipped ŠKODA Superb as an extended member of our team has given us a real boost this season. We’ve put the vehicle through its paces and thanks to its high level of reliability, practicality and load capacity, it hasn’t let us down once.”

The manufacturer’s extended backing comes as female professional cyclists struggle to secure the same level of corporate support as their male counterparts. A long-standing champion of cycling worldwide, ŠKODA UK is committed to making the sport more accessible for its customers; offering exceptional cycling apparel and equipment, in addition to class-leading boot and interior space across its award-winning range of vehicles.

Emily Burns, Communications Manager for ŠKODA UK, adds: “We’re extremely pleased to be continuing our support of the Matrix Vulpine squad for the next two years. They were one of the UK’s top women’s road race teams in 2013, so we’d also like to congratulate them on the incredible success which they have achieved during the last twelve months.

As the following behind women’s cycling continues to grow in the UK, it’s a real pleasure to be playing our part in nurturing the sport and encouraging more young enthusiasts to get involved.”

During 2014, the partnership will also see members of the squad lead ride outs from a number of ŠKODA UK retailers for local cyclists taking part in the Prudential RideLondon event.

ŠKODA has a long association with cycling, dating back to the start of the company in 1895 when the founders Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement began manufacturing bicycles in their home town of Mlada Boleslav in the Czech Republic. The manufacturer provides vehicles to the Tour de France and the Tour of Britain, as well as other major cycling races across the world.