“The trophies for the winners of the Tour de France provide a fascinating interplay between soft curves and precise lines, which widen towards the top. They are thereby reminiscent of a bird’s wings mid-flight,” explained ŠKODA AUTO designer Peter Olah.
The 60-centimetre-tall and four-kilogramme masterpieces of Czech glass art are manufactured by the Czech company Lasvit and the trophies’ elegant silhouettes are now considered to be a trademark of the Tour de France. Each year the ŠKODA AUTO designers draw on inspiration from new influences when creating the surface of the awards. This year the trophy pays homage to the geometric designs and angular shapes of Czech cubism.
This year, ŠKODA AUTO is acting as an official sponsor and vehicle partner for the Tour de France for an amazing 15th time; since 2011, the long-established Czech brand from Mladá Boleslav has also been designing the trophies awarded to the winners of the cycling race through France.
On 7 July, the 105th edition of the classic cycling tour began on the Atlantic island of Noirmoutier-en-Ile. By the time the peloton crosses the finish line on the Champs-Elysées next Sunday 29 July, the riders will have covered a total of 3,351 km across 21 stages.
ŠKODA AUTO is accompanying this year’s Tour de France with exiting contributions and interesting background stories which can be found on ŠKODA Storyboard. One of the articles cover the convoy of vehicles that drive in front of the peloton and distribute gifts to spectators. Fans wishing to experience the race in person can also find useful tips for their visit to the sports event on ŠKODA Storyboard.
