Škoda Designs Special Trophy for 5-Time Tour de France Winner Tadej Pogačar

Škoda Auto has unveiled a specially designed glass trophy crafted for Tadej Pogačar, celebrating the Slovenian cyclist’s remarkable dominance in elite grand tour racing. The crystal sculpture, created in collaboration with the Czech car manufacturer’s design team, honors Pogačar’s extraordinary achievements in professional cycling, most notably his historic victories at the Tour de France.

As a long-standing official partner and vehicle supplier of the Tour de France, Škoda has spent years designing the official trophies presented to the race’s classification leaders on the Champs-Élysées. This latest bespoke piece, however, represents a unique tribute tailored specifically to Pogačar’s individual milestones rather than a standard race-awarded prize.

The manufacturing process of the crystal trophy draws heavily upon the rich traditions of Bohemian glassmaking. Master artisans in the Czech Republic shaped and cut the heavy glass to reflect light dynamically, utilizing geometric facets that symbolize both the aerodynamic lines of modern racing bicycles and the sharp peaks of the mountain stages where grand tours are frequently decided.

For cycling fans following the sport’s technical partnerships, the collaboration reinforces the deep ties between the automotive brand and the professional peloton. Škoda has provided the red director’s car used by race officials since 2004, cementing its visibility across the three-week French Grand Tour and various other events organized by Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO).

Pogačar, who rides for UAE Team Emirates, has redefined modern stage racing through aggressive tactics, multiple mountain triumphs, and sustained excellence across spring classics and summer grand tours alike. The design elements embedded within the custom trophy nod directly to these athletic exploits, capturing the fluidity and precision required to conquer the hardest terrain in professional cycling.

While the unveiling highlights the aesthetic intersection of design and sport, it also underscores the growing commercial synergy between elite athletes and major corporate sponsors outside of traditional team apparel and equipment manufacturers. The physical piece serves as a permanent testament to an era of cycling currently dominated by the Slovenian champion.

As the international cycling calendar moves toward upcoming training camps and the early-season races of the professional circuit, tributes of this nature highlight the cultural imprint left by record-setting performances. Further announcements regarding the formal presentation of the trophy are expected through official channels representing both the athlete and the manufacturer.