Transformed Wagon: University Students Alter Skoda Superb into Bicycle Support Truck
The Škoda L&K 130, a unique cycling support vehicle, is set to make its debut at the 112th edition of the Tour de France, taking place from 5 to 27 July 2025. This one-of-a-kind vehicle, based on the Superb estate, was developed by vocational school apprentices (Azubis) and is a testament to their ingenuity and craftsmanship.
The Škoda L&K 130 has a rich history rooted in Škoda's past. The Vocational School, established in 1927, is now part of the Škoda Academy, which opened in 2013. Since the 2013/14 school year, the Škoda Student Cars project has been ongoing, with breaks only due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 and the remodelling of the Škoda Academy workshops in 2024.
The students invested over 2000 working hours in the planning, development, and production of the L&K 130. They transformed the Superb into a ute-like design, complete with a new rear window behind the rear seats separating the interior from the open loading area. The vehicle features an expandable sliding load area for racing bikes and comes with an integrated bike carrier mechanism for transporting spare bikes.
To ensure seamless communication within the team, a radio is installed. For added convenience, two standard bike racks from the Škoda Genuine Accessories range are installed on the platform. When the platform is retracted along with the tailgate, the carriers with the bikes tilt upwards at an angle of 35 degrees, maintaining the same length as the original Superb estate.
The interior of the L&K 130 is dominated by the classic L&K colours of red, white, gold, and black, with a '130 years' logo embroidered into the covers of the front seats. A large storage net under the cabin's roof lining serves to hold small items such as energy bars or bandages. A large cool box holding water bottles replaces the left-rear seat.
The service technician positioned on the right-hand rear seat also has their own display on the back of the front passenger seat. An additional display on the passenger side of the dashboard shows data required to support cycle racers. The right rear door of the L&K 130 is equipped with a completely new lever sliding mechanism, ensuring safety even with cyclists approaching and overtaking the support vehicle.
The exterior and interior designs of the L&K 130 feature large areas coloured gold, red, and black, and a backlit grille mask with LEDs that can assume any color within the RGB spectrum. The L&K 130 is the first Student Car to be based on the Superb estate and the first to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Škoda has a long-standing history of supporting major international cycling events, including the Tour de France. The Škoda L&K 130, a tribute to Škoda Auto's 130-year history, which began in 1895 with the production of bicycles, is set to continue this tradition. Having started with 58 students in its first year, the Škoda Academy has seen over 24,000 graduates pass through its doors to date. The Škoda L&K 130 is a testament to the innovative spirit and skills these graduates have developed during their time at the Academy.
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