Škoda: Nurturing a passion for cycling in the UAE, Middle East and beyond

Sport360

27-01-2025

This passion for cycling remains at the heart of the brand, evolving over time to become an integral part of its identity. Today, Škoda's legacy in cycling continues through the 'We Love Cycling' platform—a global initiative that champions cycling as a sport, a lifestyle, and a community.
In the UAE, Škoda has taken significant steps to nurture a growing cycling culture, with athletes such as Darcey Minton and Martin Nikolenko exemplifying the impact of this support. Škoda's efforts include organising amateur cycling races and events, promoting road safety, and supporting cycling teams and individuals.
Škoda's Cycling Heritage
Škoda's journey from bicycles to automobiles is a testament to its enduring commitment to innovation and mobility. Throughout its history, the brand has celebrated its cycling roots with remarkable milestones. Long-lasting collaborations—currently marking 24 years of Škoda's official partnership with the Tour de France and La Vuelta—have solidified Škoda's role as a driving force in global cycling.
The Škoda's We Love Cycling platform further extends this heritage by promoting a shared vision of cycling—one that unites communities and inspires a healthier, more active lifestyle. From sponsoring elite events to creating resources for everyday cyclists, Škoda continues to honour its founders' legacy in meaningful ways.
L'Étape Dubai by Tour de France: Cycling as a Growing Passion in the UAE
In the UAE, sporting events like L'Étape Dubai bring world-class cycling experiences to local enthusiasts, offering a platform for both seasoned athletes and newcomers to engage in the sport. Škoda's sponsorship of this premier event highlights its dedication to fostering a vibrant cycling culture in the region. Through partnerships, events, and outreach programmes, the brand is helping to build a sustainable community of cyclists across the UAE.
Darcey Minton and Martin Nikolenko: Local Champions of Škoda's Vision
Darcey Minton is a shining example of Škoda's dedication to nurturing cycling talent. Having started as a competitive swimmer from a young age, it was a chance introduction to triathlons—encouraged by her school—that sparked an unexpected passion for cycling and set her on an exciting new path.
Over the past eighteen months, Darcey has rapidly risen through the ranks of the UAE's amateur racing scene, earning a coveted spot on the AirWerks race team in Dubai as their youngest cyclist. Among her many accomplishments, she is particularly proud of completing a gruelling 120-kilometre race, where, at just 15 years old, she finished 3rd overall in the women's category.
Her success story continues with victories as the overall female winner in the Škoda 55 km Pink Race, Škoda's L'Étape 86 km build-up ride, and the Škoda L'Étape 95 km community ride. Juggling the demands of intense training and her academic commitments, Darcey is supported every step of the way by her parents, sister, and Škoda.
With unwavering determination, she dreams of one day competing in the Tour de France—a goal she is steadfastly working towards with Škoda's continued support.
'Škoda has given me opportunities to compete and grow in ways I never imagined,' Darcey shares. 'Their belief in me has pushed me to work even harder towards my goal of not only reaching but one day winning the Tour de France.'
Martin Nikolenko, a 12-year-old cyclist based in Dubai, represents the future of the sport. Starting at just nine years old, Martin has won the Falcon Daman Series three times in his age group and competes in the UAE Cycling Federation National League races.
In 2024, he gained international experience at the European Junior Cycling Tour Assen in the Netherlands. As a pacemaker for the kids' and family races at L'Étape Dubai, he guides and motivates young children and aspiring cyclists through their first fun cycling races, proudly wearing Škoda-branded gear.
His ultimate ambition is to join the World Tour peloton, and every race he participates in is a step toward achieving that dream. 'Being supported by Škoda and having the chance to represent the brand during kids' and family races—bringing a love for cycling to younger audiences—is an honour for me.
It fuels my determination to train and grow, with the goal of becoming one of the youngest expat cyclists in the region to pursue a professional cycling career,' Martin says.
The Broader Vision of 'We Love Cycling'
Škoda's 'We Love Cycling' platform offers far more than event sponsorships. It provides a wealth of resources, from health and nutrition tips to training programmes tailored for all levels.
By inspiring individuals and families to embrace cycling, the platform fosters a global community that celebrates the joy of the sport. Locally, it continues to motivate UAE residents to take up cycling, uniting people across diverse backgrounds.
Conclusion
Škoda's passion for cycling, deeply rooted in its history, remains a driving force behind its global initiatives. Stories like Darcey Minton's and Martin Nikolenko's illustrate the brand's commitment to empowering individuals to pursue their dreams through cycling.
As Škoda continues to champion the sport in the UAE and beyond, its vision of a thriving cycling community grows stronger with each kilometre covered. Whether through major events like L'Étape Dubai or grassroots programmes, Škoda reaffirms its dedication to making cycling a way of life for everyone.