Different coloured jerseys used in 2011 Tour de France
Athletes from all across the world are eyeing on the most prestigious event in the cycling world. Tour de France is held every year in July and stretches up to three weeks across France and its neighbouring countries. The history and format of the race makes
the tour more interesting and different from any other bicycle race.
Different coloured jerseys used in the race are amongst its traditions and indicates the achievements of cyclists during the tour. Teams have to wear their own uniform, but at the end of each day some special jerseys are awarded and from that point onwards
the respectively cyclist has to wear it until there is change in standings or points.
Yellow Jersey
Yellow jersey is awarded to the over all race leader of the race in general classification. The concept of coloured jerseys was first introduced in 1919 and its yellow colour comes from L’Auto, a newspaper with a yellow page colour. It was the first newspaper
to sponsor the Tour. Yellow jersey was then added to the race by Henri Desgrange as a promotional binding with the paper and for the audience to identify the leader of the race. Yellow jersey undoubtedly is desired by every cyclist, but it’s only the best
sprinters who successfully wear it. First week of the tour is eyed by strong sprinters as the time difference between the first and last cyclist is less than a minute.
Green Jersey
Green jersey was introduced in 1953 and is awarded to the cyclist with highest point’s total. A criteria is set to award the riders with sprint points in the tour. Certain factors that are considered for awarding those points are the finish in the different
stages of the race, how well they perform in sprints and how well have they performed in the time trials. Cyclists with best performance in the intermediate sprints are considered as the most consistent finishers and pick up most of the points, as per the
Tour's rule. Cyclists with overall point lead at the end of each stage are honoured with Green jersey. Green jersey, therefore, is an indication of the best sprinter in the tour.
Polka Dot Jersey
Cyclist with Polka dot jersey is considered as the King of Mountains. Polka dot is a red and white spotted jersey introduced in 1975. However, its award was introduced back in 1933. This is the most eye-catching jersey, but is also considered as the hardest
one to achieve. Polka dot jersey is awarded to the cyclist after calculating the performances in hardest climbs. Riders earn more points by performing well in the steeper ascents. Tour rolls over a number of mountain passes, summits and Pyrenees, tougher the
climb, more the points the cyclist gets.
White Jersey
Winner of the white jersey is the best youngest rider in the Tour and is given to the rider under the age of 25 placed higher in GC. White jersey is considered as the newest of all the jerseys and it was introduced in 1975. It was discontinued in 1989, but
then was reintroduced in 1999. It has been awarded to a number of Tour legends, like Indurain, Lemond and Ullrich.
Most of the Tour followers already know the details about the different coloured jerseys, but for those who do not know the significance, this article can surely give a glimpse that can truly add up to the enjoyment to this year’s Tour de France.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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