Every July, while the world tunes in for high-altitude drama and high-speed breakaways at the Tour de France, there’s an annual sideshow playing out on the roads, one the organizers would rather not discuss. We’re talking about the unsolicited “anatomical artwork” that mysteriously appears on the tarmac. Yep, lots of penis drawings: enough to make the writers of SuperBad blush.
Typically, a dedicated crew is dispatched to scrub, spray, and remove these public phallic interruptions from view before the helicopters fly overhead. But this year, Škoda’s not looking away, they’re leaning in. Because when life hands you random raygun graffiti across the French countryside, you make the best of it.
From NSFW to Must-Watch
Instead of just erasing the art, Škoda (the official vehicle partner of both the men’s and women’s Tours) is doing something unexpected: turning crude jokes into eye-popping promo for the Tour de France Femmes p/b AVEC – Zwift. The idea? Don’t censor, reclaim. And just like covering up a bad tattoo, these artists are turning out some cool pieces.
Armed with spray paint, fresh perspective, and plenty of creativity, a team of female artists is riding the route in a specially designated Škoda support vehicle number 221, if you’re counting. Their mission: transform unsanctioned anatomy into bold illustrations that celebrate women’s cycling and spotlight the upcoming nine-stage Tour de France Femmes.
Art with a Message (and a Massive Audience)
With over 3.5 billion cumulative eyeballs watching the men’s Tour, the platform is massive and ripe for a creative hijack. These redesigned murals won’t just cover the problem; they’ll start a conversation.
“We’re turning an unwanted problem into a powerful opportunity,” said Meredith Kelly, Škoda’s Global Head of Marketing.
“With cycling in our DNA, and as we celebrate 130 years since our start as a bicycle company, we’re proud to support the Tour and amplify the women’s race in such a bold, visual way.”
Who’s on the team? Škoda tapped talented female illustrators Cecile Dormeau and Erin Aniker to lead the project, using vibrant, unmistakable visuals to call attention to the Tour de France Femmes p/b AVEC- Zwift, which kicked off July 26 in Vannes and runs to August 3, finishing in Châtel after 1,165km of racing.
2025 Tour de France Femmes – What to Know
- Race Dates: July 26 – August 3
- Stages: 9
- Distance: 1,165km
- Teams: 22
- Riders: 150+
- Where to Watch: Peacock, TNT Sports, Flo-Sports
Now in its fourth edition, the Tour de France Femmes is quickly becoming the must-watch event of the summer, and with support like this from Škoda, it’s getting the attention it deserves, one reimagined road “noodle-doodle” at a time.
Check out the full schedule here: www.letourfemmes.fr
