Tour de France Jersey Color Meaning and Week 1 Recap

Posted by Kitty on Jul 8th 2016

Col du Glandon, France - 24 July 2015: The peloton riding in a beautiful curve at Col du Glandon in Alps during the stage 19 of Le Tour de France 2015.

The 103rd Tour de France 2016 Week 1 Recap:

Stage 1 Mont Saint-Michel/Utah Beach

Winner: Mark Cavendish, Team Dimension Data, South Africa

Stage 2 Saint Lo/ Cherbourg-Octeville

Winner: Peter Sagan, Team Tinkoff, Russia

Stage 3 Granville/Angers

Winner: Mark Cavendish, Team Dimension Data, South Africa

BMC Greg Van AvermaetStage 4 Saumur/ Limoges

Winner: Marcel Kittel, Team Etixx-Quick Step, Belgium

Stage 5 Limoges/ Le Lioran

Winner: Greg Van Avermaet, BMC Racing Team, USA









The Jerseys

If you've been keeping track of your favorite cyclist, you might notice they change jersey colors every so often. It's not to do with laundry! The color of the jersey holds much significance in the Tour de France. Different colors are awarded each stage to competitors who outperform their competition. Here's what each color's significance means for your favorite teams.

Tour de france jersey colorsMaillot Jaune (Yellow): Awarded to the overall leader of the race so far after each stage.

Maillot Vert (Green):  Awarded to the top sprinter, points are given to the competitors who have the best finishing position at intermediate sprints during the stage.

Maillot  à Pois Rouges (White with Red Polka Dots): The King of the Mountains jersey is awarded to the first competitor to reach the crests of designated hills and mountains (based on total number of points). The more difficult the climb, the more points it is worth.

Maillot Blanc (White): Awarded to the top ranked, fastest rider under the age of 25.

Most combative rider: wears a red number on a white background

Team with the fastest 3 riders: wears black number on yellow background.

Tour de France Jersey Color Meaning and Week 1 Recap