{"id":205875,"date":"2026-07-16T13:32:22","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T13:32:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/?p=205875"},"modified":"2026-07-16T13:32:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T13:32:22","slug":"why-the-skoda-octavia-became-markko-karus-cycling-companion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/2026\/07\/16\/why-the-skoda-octavia-became-markko-karus-cycling-companion\/","title":{"rendered":"Built for the Long Road: Why the \u0160koda Octavia Became Markko Karu\u2019s Ideal Training Companion"},"content":{"rendered":"

For Markko Karu, preparing for L\u2019\u00c9tape during The Unseen Stage meant far more than hours in the saddle. The months leading up to the event were filled with early-morning training rides, strength sessions, races across Estonia, and long drives to reach them. Throughout that journey, the \u0160koda Octavia became a reliable support vehicle that quietly took care of the behind-the-scenes side of cycling.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Getting acquainted with the car was almost effortless. Apart from familiarising himself with the ignition button and fine-tuning the adaptive cruise control settings, the transition was seamless. \u201cStarting to drive did not take time at all,\u201d says Markko.<\/p>\n

As someone who usually travelled with a bike rather than passengers, Karu valued simplicity above all. Folding down the rear seats created more than enough room to transport his road bike without hassle. \u201cThe bike fitted comfortably in the luggage compartment,\u201d he says, while adding that the available space was \u201cmore than sufficient\u201d for all his riding gear. \u201cI never felt limited.\u201d<\/p>\n

That practicality became particularly important during the busiest weeks of The Unseen Stage, when training equipment, spare clothing, and nutrition all had to travel with him from one session to the next. Instead of worrying about packing, he could focus on the ride ahead.<\/p>\n

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Zobrazit p\u0159\u00edsp\u011bvek na Instagramu<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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P\u0159\u00edsp\u011bvek sd\u00edlen\u00fd \u0160koda We Love Cycling (@wlcmagazine)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n