The Tour de France is the pinnacle of professional road cycling, where the world’s best cyclists compete across grueling stages for ultimate glory. Central to this legendary race are the distinctive jerseys that symbolise various achievements and rankings within the peloton. From the coveted Tour de France Maillot Jaune to the polka dots of the King of the Mountains, each jersey holds immense significance. In this guide, we break down what each jersey represents and how riders earn the right to wear them.
The Tour de France Maillot Jaune – The Yellow Jersey
The most prestigious and recognisable jersey in cycling, the Tour de France Maillot Jaune, is awarded to the overall leader of the general classification (GC). This jersey signifies the rider with the fastest cumulative time across all completed stages.
History and Significance
The Maillot Jaune was first introduced in 1919 to make the race leader more visible to spectators and competitors. The colour yellow was chosen in homage to the race’s original sponsor, L’Auto newspaper, which was printed on yellow paper. Since then, the jersey has been synonymous with greatness, worn by legendary riders such as Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Induráin, and more recently, Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard.
How is it Won?
To secure the Maillot Jaune, a rider must consistently perform across all terrains, including flat sprints, brutal mountain ascents, and individual time trials. The general classification is determined by the cumulative time of all stages, with time bonuses awarded for stage victories and intermediate sprints.
Maillot Vert – The Green Jersey (Points Classification)
The green jersey, or Maillot Vert, goes to the leader of the points classification. This jersey primarily rewards sprinters who excel in intermediate sprints and flat stage finishes.
How is it Won?
Points are awarded based on finishing positions in each stage and at designated intermediate sprint points. Flat stages typically offer more points than mountainous stages, favouring fast-twitch sprinters like Mark Cavendish and Peter Sagan, who have dominated this classification in recent years.
Maillot à Pois Rouges – The Polka Dot Jersey (King of the Mountains)
The Maillot à Pois Rouges, or polka dot jersey, is awarded to the best climber in the race, known as the King of the Mountains (KoM). Introduced in 1975, this jersey is awarded based on points earned at designated mountain summits.
How is it Won?
Points are allocated based on the difficulty of the climb, with categories ranging from Category 4 (easiest) to Hors Catégorie (HC – beyond classification). Riders competing for the polka dot jersey are often climbing specialists who excel in high-altitude, steep ascents.
Maillot Blanc – The White Jersey (Best Young Rider)
The Maillot Blanc is awarded to the best young rider in the general classification. It follows the same rules as the Maillot Jaune but is restricted to riders under the age of 26.
How is it Won?
Emerging talents with strong GC ambitions typically target the white jersey as a stepping stone to future success. Riders like Tadej Pogačar and Egan Bernal have won this jersey before claiming overall Tour de France victories.
Special Jerseys and Leader’s Privileges
While the Tour de France Maillot Jaune is the most coveted, the wearer of any leader’s jersey enjoys special privileges, including increased team support and psychological advantages over their rivals. However, wearing a leader’s jersey also comes with responsibilities, such as participating in podium ceremonies, media obligations, and defending the jersey in the race.
What Happens if One Rider Wins Multiple Jerseys?
If a rider leads in multiple classifications, they wear only the most prestigious jersey according to this hierarchy:
- Maillot Jaune (Yellow Jersey) – Most prestigious
- Maillot Vert (Green Jersey)
- Maillot à Pois Rouges (Polka Dot Jersey)
- Maillot Blanc (White Jersey)
In such cases, the second-place rider in the affected classification wears the respective jersey.
Conclusion
Understanding the significance of the Tour de France jerseys enhances the appreciation of the race’s tactical complexities. The Tour de France Maillot Jaune remains the ultimate symbol of cycling supremacy, but the green, polka dot, and white jerseys also represent remarkable achievements. Whether you are a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic fan, following these jerseys throughout the race adds depth to the excitement of the Tour de France.
