Professionals gear up local cyclists ahead of ‘Prudential RideLondon’

Station Garage ŠKODA helped 45 local cyclists taking part in this year’s Prudential RideLondon kick start their training this week, as the Horsham-based retailer hosted a 30 mile ride out with professional cyclists.
Station Garage SKODA hosted a 30 mile training ride with professional cyclists for locals taking part in this years Prudential RideLondon SUS-140324-105510001Station Garage SKODA hosted a 30 mile training ride with professional cyclists for locals taking part in this years Prudential RideLondon SUS-140324-105510001
Station Garage SKODA hosted a 30 mile training ride with professional cyclists for locals taking part in this years Prudential RideLondon SUS-140324-105510001

This was the first of three training rides organised by ŠKODA UK as part of its three year sponsorship of Prudential RideLondon, seven professional riders from Team Raleigh and Matrix Vulpine led the ride out. As they tackled the Horsham road route, including the fearsome Leith Hill, the amateur cyclists received individual coaching and advice to prepare them for their 100 mile cycling challenge this August.

James Thorpe, Retailer Principal of Station Garage ŠKODA added: “It was great to see the professional cyclists passing on their expert knowledge and training tips to the 45 Prudential RideLondon participants who joined us on the day.

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“It was a real success and provided a great opportunity for us to showcase ŠKODA’s second-to-none customer service to those taking part. We wish the riders the best of luck as they continue their training in the run up to the main event in August.”

This is ŠKODA UK’s second year of its three year partnership with Prudential RideLondon (9-10 August 2014). This festival of cycling designed to encourage Britons to cycle safely and more often, mixing professional riders and the general public in a series of competitive and non-competitive rides.

As the official vehicle sponsor of the event, ŠKODA UK will supply 30 cars for the ride, including the ŠKODA Superb hatch and Estate, Octavia Estate, Yeti and Rapid Spaceback.

With up to 1,700 litres of load capacity and clever accessories such as roof bars, an internal bicycle holder and tow bar preparation; the ŠKODA vehicles will transport technical engineers, medical staff and essential maintenance kit to assist cyclists throughout the event.

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Emily Burns, Communications Manager for ŠKODA UK commented: “The Station Garage training ride marks the beginning of what promises to be a fantastic year of cycling events in the UK. At ŠKODA UK we’re passionate about helping fans and amateurs get more involved in this increasingly popular sport.

“So alongside our involvement as official vehicle sponsor for professional teams and events across the UK, helping cyclists to prepare for the taxing Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 event is a real pleasure. With the professional cyclists’ winning advice under their belt, I’m sure this group will have a successful ride in August.”

A long-standing champion of cycling, ŠKODA provides vehicles to the Tour de France and the Tour of Britian, as well as other major cycling events across the world.

The manufacturer is also the official vehicle sponsor for a number of professional cycling teams.

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Top domestic professionals from the ŠKODA-supported teams that donated their time and expertise at the Station Garage training ride included Mark Christian, Liam Stones, Joe Perrett, George Atkins, Morgan Kneisky (2009 World Track Scratch Race Champion), Harriet Owen and Helen Wyman (current British and European CycloCross champion and World CycloCross bronze medallist).

For more information about ŠKODA and its cycling heritage, please visit http://www.skoda.co.uk/cycling. Keep up-to-date with ŠKODA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/skodauk, or follow ŠKODA cycling on Twitter @skodaukcycling.

Report and picture contributed by Station Garage.

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