1895 - L&K Slavia bicycle2014 - SKODA Superb2 wheels to 4...ŠKODA has always been about the journeyWhich is better? 4 wheels or 2? In the world of ŠKODA, the answer is both.When co-founder Vaclav Klement bought a bicycle from a German manufacturer which broke shortly afterwards, he teamed up with bike mechanic Vaclav Laurin, and they began producing their own bicycles.Cycling has remained important to us since that day and we’ve honoured that heritage ever since.From the production of motorbikes in 1899, Laurin and Klement built their very first car in 1905 - The Voiturette A which could reach speeds of 25mph (which was very impressive at the time!)A merger with ŠKODA Works, a large industrial company, in 1924 saw the ŠKODA name appear on an automobile for the very first time. And the rest, as they say, is history.Pedal to Pedal ...we have continued to push the evolution of transportationWe are engineers. In our 119 years of production history, we’ve broken boundaries. Our evolution from 2 wheels to 4 didn’t see us just dip our toe into cycling at the start of the twentieth century, we remain firmly immersed. We love bicycles. A simple machine with endless possibilities, where precision counts more than brute force and every problem can be solved with a clever solution.That’s why we’re an official partner of the key cycling events in the UK including the Tour of Britain and the Women’s Tour. And of course, we still to this day make ŠKODA branded bicycles. They’re pretty awesome.Saddle to Seat...we help to make those unforgettable experiencesWe like stories. And we’ve plenty to share. Did you know that the first ever race an L&K motorcycle entered in 1901 saw the rider, Marcis Podsednike, as the only entrant to make it across the finish line?Here’s another good one – in 1936, the ŠKODA Rapid rallied 27,600km around the world without the need for any engine repairs and the model went on to win the Olympic Games Rally in the same year.Today, we’re still proud to be a part of unforgettable experiences from the saddle to the driver’s seat.Our riders fight the roads and climb mountains. They brave the wind and rain to compete against the world’s greatest. Our drivers in their hatchbacks hustle over which radio station to listen to on the school-run, those in their 4x4s tackle tough terrain in their country pursuits. And ŠKODA is excited to be part of all these journeys.ŠKODA's Top 10 Cycling RoutesWhy not create your own unique experiences by trying out one of our Top 10 cycling routes? We’ll be honest, not all of them are your average Sunday amble and many are some of the toughest climbs in the world – but click on the links below to read more about what you can expect and how to get there.  Gear to Gear...we're behind the leaders who make their journeyMeet Ed. A two-time Olympic Gold medallist, an Olympic Bronze medallist, five-time World Champion and a ŠKODA ambassador.ŠKODA UK enjoys an outstanding reputation among cyclists, and is proud that Ed is able to promote the benefits of cycling and to encourage more British families to take up the sport. He’s supported the brand since 2013 in many activities including advocating the King of the Mountain Jersey design competition where ŠKODA offered school children across the UK the opportunity to design the illustrious jersey which is awarded to the best rider of the King of the Mountain sections in the Tour of Britain. And you’ll see him attending events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed where he shares his triumphant stories as he signs autographs and has photos with attendees.Away from the track he rides for the GB domestic road team Rapha Condor JLT. Regarded as an explosive sprinter with the durability to match, he competes in both the National Criterium Series and the Tour Series, picking up numerous stage wins in 2013. In his spare time Ed is an avid motor sport fan. He owns his own trials bike and enjoys competing in or attending events at race circuits around the Country. The Team behind the Teams ...ŠKODA supports the people who make it all happenIn the UK, ŠKODA are very proud of our partnerships with three teams. JLT CondorJLT Condor are a UCI Continental team ranked as one of the best in the UK. Owned by London based bicycle manufacturer Condor Cycles, the team includes the talented double Olympic Gold Medallist Ed Clancy and the previous winner of the Tour of South Africa and Tour of Britain King of the Mountain Kristian House. You’ll find the team riding in senior professional events in the UK and second-tier races like the UCI Europe Tour. Team Raleigh GACSimply put, today’s Team Raleigh GAC is arguably one of the best professional cycling teams in the UK. With national champions, World Champions, Olympic medallists and Elite title winners in the squad, plus a promising crop of neo-pro riders, the team are never far from the TV cameras and the top step of the podium. It’s a team of winners with a name that’s deeply engrained in the British psyche. Everyone remembers their first Raleigh, right? Matrix VulpineMatrix Vulpine in 2015 the Matrix Fitness team have joined the UCI pro-ranks and will race both in the UK and also in Europe. Having competed in the inaugural Friends Life Women’s Tour in 2014, their calendar in 2015 could include Tour of Flanders, La Course and the World Championships. The team has been strengthened in 2015, particularly with the addition of multiple Olympic and World Champion Laura Trott. Matrix Vulpine @onthedropsThe Car behind the Teams ...a quick glimpse into the life of a team carThe Car behind the TeamsOur cars are made of tough stuff. Things may look hard for pro cyclists in major events, but the cars behind the teams face their own punishments too. From the car scraping on the side of a canyon to a mechanic hanging out of the back to help a rider, ŠKODA cars are always in amongst the action. Our cars striking exterior, and comfortable interior mean that the support teams who use them can be hands-on on race days – spurring the riders on to do their very best.Take a look at our flagship model,The ŠKODA Superb.First introduced to the range in 1934, Superb models have been synonymous with strong design and powerful road presence for nearly eight decades. With an improved engine range that delivers lower emissions, and markedly improved fuel consumption, the new model line-up is the perfect companion for pro cyclists on their arduous tours.And we don’t just support the pros, we champion all cyclists, and make cars to suit their needs. The ŠKODA Superb Estate has a cavernous boot with an optional handy internal rack that can easily and securely store two bikes. It’s the perfect union between 2 and 4 wheels.What's more, to celebrate the Tour de France starting in the UK this year, we've launched unique limited edition versions of our Superb, Yeti and Octavia models. Click here to read more about our Tour de France Special Editions.Spacious InteriorThe Superb offers an exceptionally spacious interior meaning there is more than enough space for your bicycle, and the vast amount of leg room presents even more than you’d get in an S Class Mercedes. The Estate has an enormous 633 litres of usable space in the boot which extends to 1,865 litres with the seats down. In comparison, the Hatch boasts 595 litres, extending to 1,700 litres with the boot down.Roof BarsIf you don’t fancy going it alone, you can transport even more bicycles with the optional roof bars (available as an accessories item) that fit easily and increase your carrying capacity.Satellite Navigation SystemWhen you’re on your adventure to tackle one of our Top 10 Cycle Routes, the ‘Columbus’ touchscreen satellite navigation system (with DAB radio) will help you find your destination quickly and easily (available as standard on the Elegance and L&K trims). It is controlled via a 6.5" colour screen, which is also able to display information from the climate control system, telephone and media functions, parking sensors and clock. The GPS system is also able to show a 2D or 3D (birds eye view) map depending on your preference.Rubber Boot MatAnd the style of your car doesn’t have to suffer. The flexible rubber boot mat (available as an accessories item) means your Superb gets an instant protective layer. It’s easily removable so cleaning the grime from a hard day’s cycling is easy peasy.