Skoda sponsors the London-Paris 2011

Skoda UK has announced it is sponsoring the eighth annual London-Paris cycling event, which takes place on 23-26 June 2011.

The 520km bike ride is recognised as one of the world’s most exciting cyclosportives and sees a combination of professional sportsmen and women, high profile celebrities, and industry leaders and influencers ride from London to the French capital over three stages.

At a press event today (19 April), top sporting celebrities, including Geoff Thomas, Mark Bright, Lee Dixon and John Salako rode a 40 mile scenic route with the support of a Skoda Superb, the same vehicle that will be part of a 14 strong Skoda fleet leading the 365 riders from London to Paris in the summer.

The London-Paris provides the five Speed Groups riding with a support crew of over 120 people, 14 Ride Captain's, motorbike outriders and Mavic Neutral Service support. Along with the legendary Tour de France, this event sees the roads closed in to the centre of Paris, offering amateur riders a unique experience.

Skoda has a long association with cycling, with the company starting out life building bicycles back in 1895. Today, Skoda is better known for its multi award-winning cars, but its passion for bikes remains.  The Czech manufacturer is therefore delighted to supply support vehicles for the event.

Catherine Sleigh, Head of Press & PR for Skoda UK comments: “Our vehicles are ideal for use as a support car; they are incredibly reliable, well engineered and offer class-leading space so can carry lots of equipment and withstand the wear and tear that comes with it.  We’re very proud to be involved in such a great event.”

The Superb Estate, which will be used for the event, is priced from £18,550.00, and was recently voted the number one car in the 2011 Auto Express Driver Power survey.