Pickup truck for the Tour. Did Škoda just make the perfect car for a cycling team?

When you think of a Škoda Superb, the last thing that comes to mind is… a pickup truck. And certainly not one that looks like a cycling Batmobile – low-profile, functional, packed with clever features, and ready for action in the peloton. And yet. The Škoda L&K 130 is the latest student project from Mladá Boleslav, which not only celebrates the brand's 130th anniversary but also surprisingly cleverly demonstrates that a car can be a truly useful resource for cycling.

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Back to cycling roots

Škoda likes to remind us that it all began with a bicycle. Laurin and Klement, a mechanic and bookseller, began assembling bicycles under the Slavia brand in 1895. Then came motorcycles, cars, a global corporation, and sponsorship of the Tour de France. But the bicycle has never disappeared from this history—and today, the L&K 130 represents the most literal return to those roots.

Because this isn't just any Superb. It's a Superb converted into a hybrid pickup truck, designed specifically as a support vehicle for cycling races. Instead of extra power, it has an additional bike rack and a water bottle cooler .

Who needs this? And why does it work?

In the world of bicycle racing, logistics aren't a detail—they're absolutely essential. The L&K 130 clearly shows that someone has really put some thought into this:

• instead of a tailgate, we have an electrically extendable platform that can accommodate two bicycles,

• the door on the right side is sliding so that it can be opened even while moving, without the risk of hitting the peloton,

• in place of the rear seat you will find a fridge for water bottles , and in the headliner there is a net for bars and bandages,

• There is also a team radio , a screen with player data and a place for a mechanic at the back – with its own display.

All this is packed into the Superb's body, which, thanks to its plug-in drive, can drive quietly and ecologically. The 25.7 kWh battery capacity is enough to handle stages without overheating the pistons. And it works – practically, elegantly, and with a sense of purpose. Without any pretense.

The whole thing is more of a mobile command center than a family station wagon. Most of us don't need such an arsenal for a gravel or road trip. You can find more on this topic in "Choosing a Bike Rack – or How to Get by Without It." But if your bike is truly going to be in the car, it's best to have a well-thought-out solution – and the L&K 130 shows that it can be done very well.

A car that is not ashamed of the bicycle

The L&K 130 doesn't pretend to be a "sporty lifestyle" or an SUV with a helmet holder. It's a vehicle that says, "I'm here for you, cyclists." And this is evident not only in the handles and screens, but also in the overall tone of the design. The interior is made of recycled materials. The color scheme harkens back to the brand's roots. The Laurin & Klement logo is on the handlebar and rims. This isn't a PR facelift – it's solid work with respect for history.

And even though this is just one example, prepared by students of the Škoda Academy, it's impossible not to wonder: why hasn't anyone done something so practical before?

What's next for the L&K 130?

The L&K 130 isn't a revolution on four wheels, but a very sensible step towards better cooperation between the two worlds – cycling and driving. It shows that instead of arguing, we can support each other – literally.

And if you want to see this gem in person, keep an eye out for it on the Tour de France route in July. Škoda announces that the L&K 130 will be there as part of the official race support. And who knows – maybe this one example will inspire similar solutions for more teams. Because even though it's a student project, it's impossible not to notice that this is what professionalism built from the ground up looks like.

You might be interested in: Katarzyna Niewiadoma - Polish star of the Tour de France Femmes

Photos - Skoda Storyboard

With the route and the bike in mind

At Antymateria, we also believe in the constant evolution of the bicycle industry – and that cycling is more than just that. We create and sell bicycles, but we feel we do it a little differently. We don't tailor people to a bicycle – rather, we tailor the bicycle to their needs.

So if you're looking for a new companion—for competitions, gravel trips, or just for riding your own way—check us out. Our summer sale offers ready-made models up to 30% off .

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Learn more about racing, cycling culture, and Polish events: Gravel racing: an overview of the most interesting competitions in Poland and around the world