The Jerseys: A Rainbow of Meanings

The Tour de France's jersey classification system has created one of sport's most recognizable hierarchies. The maillot jaune (yellow jersey), introduced in 1919, identifies the overall race leader and has become one of the most coveted prizes in sport. The color yellow was chosen to match L'Auto's distinctive paper, linking the jersey forever to the race's journalistic origins. Wearing yellow brings pressure and privilege - the leader receives special treatment in hotels and ceremonial honors at stage starts, but also faces the tactical burden of defending their position against all challengers.

The green jersey, or maillot vert, rewards the race's best sprinter through a points classification that favors consistent high finishes over stage wins alone. This jersey, sponsored by various companies over the years, recognizes a different type of excellence - the explosive speed and tactical awareness required to navigate the chaotic bunch sprints that conclude flat stages. Great sprinters like Mark Cavendish and Peter Sagan have made the green jersey competition a race within the race, adding drama to stages that might otherwise serve merely as transitions between mountain tests.

The polka dot jersey (maillot à pois rouges) crowns the King of the Mountains, honoring the rider who accumulates the most points on categorized climbs. This classification, introduced in 1933, celebrates the Tour's most iconic challenge - the ability to conquer the great mountain passes that have become synonymous with the race. The sight of the polka dot jersey dancing up a mountain road, surrounded by thousands of fans who have hiked or driven up to witness the passage, represents one of cycling's most enduring images.

The white jersey, awarded to the best young rider under 25, represents hope and cycling's future. Introduced permanently in 1975, this classification has identified future champions like Jan Ullrich, Andy Schleck, and Egan Bernal early in their careers. It adds another layer of competition and provides a narrative thread about cycling's next generation, ensuring the Tour looks forward as well as celebrating present achievements.