Tour de France fighters tested the Škoda L&K 130 student car

 The capabilities of the car were tested by former professional cyclists directly in the field - near the city of Lille, where this year's Tour de France started.

 "The key role of the support vehicle is to change the bicycles," says Andy, whom Zdeněk came to help and was able to show the first of the student car's gadgets. After some ingenious modification, the rear of the car has been converted into a body with an electrically extendable platform, which makes it easy to handle the spare bicycles. "It makes the bicycles easy to take off, it's a clever solution," says Zdeněk. Two bikes can fit onto the platform, and the third can be placed on the roof.

 The team can serve a cold drink to thirsty riders from the car in a bidon while driving thanks to a refrigerator installed behind the driver's seat which ensures the right temperature. Andy and Zdenek tried its services as well.

Another great feature are the rear sliding doors, which swing out to the side on hinges. This way the mechanic doesn't open the door into the compartment. "It's cool because the open door doesn't endanger passing cyclists," says Zdenek. In addition to the fridge, a permanent internet connection, Walkie Talkie or a handy overhead net for storing small items are also very useful.

Additionally, the student car can't be overlooked because it's not only a practical car but also a stylish one. It refers to the history of the Skoda brand in one track with a special paintwork in a combination of gold, white, red and black, which reflects the colours of the Laurin & Klement logo. The same colour scheme is also reflected into the interior. Details such as the L&K logo on the bonnet or the illuminated radiator grille have not been forgotten.

The riders' verdict? "A beautiful tribute to the brand's roots in one track and its 130-year history," says Andy Schleck. "Exactly, I like the combination of Skoda's heritage and clever solutions. You've done a great job," says Zdeněk Štybar to the students.

Škoda Auto is the main sponsor of the Tour de France for the 22nd consecutive year and has provided a fleet of 225 electrified support vehicles for this year's race, including the all-important "red car" for the directors. The L&K 130 student car rode in the fleet of publicity and sponsorship cars before the first stage and is also scheduled to be present for the last stage.