The Tour de France kicked off on Saturday, with riders setting off from Bilbao, Spain, on July 1 and begin making their way towards Paris.
Fans of the cycle race will understand the significance of the yellow jersey, and will eagerly await to see who gets to wear it at each stage.
But newer fans and casual viewers may be wondering why certain riders are given a green jersey, or a polka-dot jersey, to wear at certain stages.
Find out everything you need to know about the point system and the jerseys below, and be sure to follow our latest coverage of the Tour de France.
What do the Tour de France jerseys mean?
There are four jerseys awarded to riders in the Tour de France:
- Yellow jersey
- Green jersey
- Polka-dot jersey
- White jersey
Yellow jersey
The yellow jersey or, as it is also known, the maillot jaune, is awarded to the overall classification leader. This is the rider who has completed the race in the least amount of time.
Officials calculate the fastest rider after each stage and the overall leader gets to wear it in the following stage.
Tour de France’s official website says: “A symbol of excellence, prestige, and victory, the yellow jersey is beyond the reach of all but the most well-rounded riders — those who can hold their own on the plains, in the mountains, and in time trials.”
Reigning champion Jonas Vingegaard won his first yellow jersey at the 2022 event.
Green jersey
The green jersey is awarded to the rider who is leading the points classification each day according to the points they finish with at each stage, plus additional points for intermediate sprints.
The Tour de France says: “It goes without saying that this symbol of explosivity, passion, and speed is typically held by the sprinters.”
In 2021, the green jersey was won by Vingegaard’s team-mate, Wout van Aert.
Polka-dot jersey
The leader of the best climber classification is awarded the red-polka-dot jersey.
Riders are awarded mountain points for summiting classified climbs first, with the number of points varying depending on the category of each ascent.
The Tour de France describes it as a “symbol of the mountains, of a rider pushing beyond their limits and of courage”.
Jonas Vingegaard also won the polka-dot jersey in 2022.
White jersey
The white jersey symbolises “the future and youth of the Tour de France peloton” and is awarded to the rider best placed in the overall standings, under the age of 26.
Tadej PogaÄar won the white jersey in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
