PENTA FUND: IN CYCLING, JUST AS IN INVESTING, THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS

For Penta Fund, cycling is far more than a sport. It is a natural part of the company's culture and a place where relationships, trust and inspiration are built. At a time when working life is becoming ever faster and so much communication takes place through screens, cycling offers something that simply cannot be replaced – the opportunity to share experiences, have genuine conversations and think with a clear perspective. After all, the strongest partnerships are rarely formed in meeting rooms or during presentations, but through time spent together.

"Just as in investing, there are no shortcuts in cycling. Results don't come overnight. They are the reward for discipline, patience and a long-term approach. That's exactly why cycling resonates so strongly with us," says Tomáš Hochmeister, CEO of Penta Fund.

It's no coincidence that cycling is becoming an increasingly important part of life at Penta Fund.

"More and more of us are getting on our bikes. A strong road cycling community has grown within the company, bringing colleagues together not only in the office but also on regular group rides. On the bike, job titles fade into the background, leaving a shared goal, mutual respect and the simple enjoyment of riding together."

The same philosophy lies behind Penta Fund's partnership with L'Etape Czech Republic by Tour de France.

"We didn't want to be just another event partner. We wanted to be part of the peloton. L'Etape has become one of the Czech Republic's premier cycling events and a place where people from business and sport naturally come together. We see it as an opportunity to build long-term relationships, not simply make one-off connections," says Tomáš Hochmeister.

The enthusiastic response from employees confirmed that the approach was the right one.

"After our first participation in 2025, we were delighted by the overwhelmingly positive feedback. This year, people started signing up months in advance because they wanted to ride in Penta Fund colours. That's the greatest recognition we could receive – seeing an idea grow into a tradition that people genuinely want to continue," says Helena Kühnová, Partner Relations Manager at Penta Fund.

The fact that cycling is much more than a symbol at Penta Fund was demonstrated by the company's two teams at the Hilly L'Etape Czech Republic by Tour de France – The Rockets and The Easy Riders.

The Rockets lived up to their name, delivering an outstanding performance that earned them second place. The team also featured cycling legend Ján Svorada, whose experience and encouragement inspired everyone around him.

"We entered two teams. The Rockets had Ján Svorada with us, and he motivated the entire squad. We finished second, which gave us huge motivation to keep training. Next year, we want to be at the very top," Helena Kühnová says with a smile.

Sharing the day with one of cycling's great champions made the experience even more memorable.

"Ján Svorada is a true legend. It was an honour to spend the whole day with him and stand alongside him on the start line. That's one of the things that makes L'Etape so special."

Alongside performance, discipline and shared experiences, cycling offers another invaluable benefit – the chance to switch off and recharge.

"It's one of the best ways to clear your mind. You can really push yourself, head out into the countryside and disconnect completely for a few hours. The moment I get on my bike, everyday worries disappear, and I come back feeling refreshed and full of energy," says Helena Kühnová.

She believes that cycling's greatest strength lies in its simplicity.

"Cycling gives you perspective. It helps you reset your priorities, and it's often where your best ideas come to you. It's time that's entirely your own – and perhaps that's exactly why it's more valuable today than ever before."