Skoda Auto is using one of the world’s biggest sporting events to spotlight its expanding electric vehicle lineup. As the main partner of the 2026 Tour de France for the 23rd consecutive year, the Czech automaker will introduce its all-new Skoda Epiq and Skoda Peaq to the public for the first time during the iconic cycling race.
The 113th edition of the Tour de France begins on July 4 in Barcelona, Spain, marking only the third time the Grand Départ has been held in the country. The race concludes on July 26 with its traditional finish on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
New Electric Models Take Center Stage
The Tour de France provides an ideal global stage for Skoda’s latest battery-electric vehicles. The introduction of the compact Epiq and the flagship Peaq effectively doubles the company’s all-electric model lineup this year.
Designed as an entry-level electric crossover, the Skoda Epiq expands the brand’s EV range into the city SUV segment. Meanwhile, the seven-seat Skoda Peaq becomes the new flagship of the lineup and will play a key operational role throughout the race.
Race Director Christian Prudhomme will use the Peaq as the famous “Red Car” during 12 of the Tour’s 21 stages. For the remaining stages, he will switch to a Skoda Superb iV plug-in hybrid, which will continue serving as the race’s mobile command center.
Fleet of 225 Skoda Vehicles Supports the Tour
Beyond showcasing its newest EVs, Skoda remains deeply involved in the logistics of the Tour de France. The company will supply up to 225 support vehicles to race organizers, helping ensure the smooth operation of one of the world’s most demanding sporting events.
The 2026 Tour features:
– 184 riders
– 23 teams
– 3,333 kilometers of racing
– 54,450 meters of total climbing
The combination of challenging mountain stages, long road sections and complex race logistics makes the Tour an ideal proving ground for modern vehicle technology.
Continuing a Long-Standing Cycling Partnership
Cycling remains central to Skoda’s global marketing strategy, reflecting the company’s historical roots in bicycle manufacturing.
In addition to serving as the Tour’s main partner, Skoda continues sponsoring the prestigious green jersey, awarded to the winner of the points classification. The automaker also produces the crystal trophies presented to the overall winner, the points classification winner, the King of the Mountains, and the best young rider.
For 2026, the trophies have been redesigned by Skoda Design, incorporating the company’s Modern Solid design language with clean surfaces and pronounced vertical lines intended to convey speed and performance.
Skoda is also returning as the main partner of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift for the fifth consecutive year while continuing its support of major mountain bike and gravel cycling events.
Fan Experiences and Chris Froome Partnership
Fans can follow the race through the official Tour de France app, sponsored by Skoda, while the automaker’s WeLoveCycling platform will once again feature race coverage, behind-the-scenes content and prize competitions.
This year’s promotions include opportunities to win official green jerseys, Skoda bicycles and other cycling-related prizes. The company is also highlighting its new partnership with cycling legend Chris Froome, who joins Skoda as its Cycling Brand Ambassador.
With the debut of the Epiq and Peaq, Skoda is using the Tour de France not only to celebrate its long-standing connection with cycling but also to demonstrate how its electric vehicle portfolio continues to grow. The event offers the brand a global platform to introduce its latest EVs to millions of fans while reinforcing its commitment to both sustainable mobility and one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.
