Tour de France 2023 jersey guide: Who wears the yellow jersey? Green, polka dot and white jerseys explained
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Published 03/07/2023 at 15:47 GMT
Each year, new fans flock to cycling due to the allure of the Tour de France. But it's not always the easiest sport to understand, particularly when it comes to the different jerseys on offer at the sport's biggest race. Here, we unpick the yellow, green, polka dot and white jersey competitions. Once you're up to speed, dive back into the Tour live and on-demand on discovery+ and eurosport.co.uk.
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The Tour de France is undoubtedly the biggest event on the cycling calendar. Held over 21 race days across three weeks, the world's best riders descend on France looking to make their mark.
The likes of Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) and Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) are expected to battle it out for the overall win in 2023 after their thrilling tussle last year, while Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan) arrives with a mission of winning a record 35th stage.
But if you're new to the sport, you might be wondering what the different jerseys – yellow, green, polka dot and white – mean and who they are for. Don't worry, we're on hand to help out…
Who wears the yellow jersey in the Tour de France?
The yellow jersey, also known as the maillot jaune, is worn by the rider with the fastest total time across the entire race. It is also awarded to the race's overall winner after the final stage on the iconic Champs-Elysees in Paris.
Only the strongest riders will wear this jersey – those who can climb, time trial and, perhaps most importantly, stay out of trouble.
Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain have all won the Tour a record five times.
Who wears the green jersey in the Tour de France?
The green jersey, also known as the maillot vert, is worn by the rider leading the points classification. Points are awarded for intermediate sprints and stage finishes.
The rider first across the line will receive the maximum allocation, with points awarded all the way down to the 15th rider.
Points are awarded as follows:
- Flat stages: 50 points, 30, 20, 18, 16 (descending down to 15th position)
- Hilly stages: 30 points, 25, 22, 19, 17 (descending down to 15th position)
- Mountain stages: 20 points, 17, 15, 13, 11 (descending down to 15th position)
- Individual time trial: 20 points, 17, 15, 13, 11 (descending down to 15th position)
- Intermediate sprint: 20 points, 17, 15, 13, 11 (descending down to 15th position)
Peter Sagan has won the points classification a record seven times.
Who wears the polka dot jersey in the Tour de France?
The polka dot jersey is worn by the rider leading the mountains classification – aka the King of the Mountains. Points are awarded at the top of climbs during stages, with more on offer for tougher ascents.
Climbs are ranked depending on how difficult they are: Cat. 1 (most challenging) to Cat. 4 (least challenging). However, there is a fifth classification – Hors Categorie – which is reserved for the toughest ascents.
Points are awarded as follows:
- Hors Categorie: 20 points, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2
- Cat. 1: 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1
- Cat. 2: 5, 3, 2, 1
- Cat. 3: 2, 1
- Cat. 4: 1
If a stage finishes on a climb – aka a "summit finish" – points are doubled for that climb.
Who wears the white jersey in the Tour de France?
The white jersey, also known as the maillot blanc, is worn by the best young rider in the general classification. To be eligible, a rider must be 25 or younger on January 1 of the race year.
Tadej Pogacar has won the white jersey at the last three Tours – and is eligible again in 2023.
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