Tops Worn By Tour De France Stage Leaders
The Tour De France is the most prestigious cycling competition in the world, with millions of viewers tuning in each year to watch the best cyclists in the world battle it out for the yellow jersey. One of the most exciting aspects of the Tour De France is the different tops worn by the stage leaders, which signify their position in the competition.
The Yellow Jersey
The Yellow Jersey, or Maillot Jaune, is considered the most prestigious top worn in the Tour De France. It is awarded to the rider who has completed the race in the shortest amount of time overall. The first Yellow Jersey was worn in 1919, and since then it has become an iconic symbol of the race.
The Yellow Jersey is made of a special lightweight fabric that is designed to wick away sweat and keep the rider cool in hot weather. It is also custom-fitted to the specific rider's body shape, to reduce air resistance and improve speed. The Yellow Jersey is often seen as a target for other riders, who try to overtake the current wearer to claim it for themselves.
The Green Jersey
The Green Jersey, or Maillot Vert, is awarded to the rider who has accumulated the most points during the race. Points are awarded for winning intermediate stages, as well as the final sprint on each stage. The Green Jersey is designed to reward sprinters, who are often at a disadvantage in the overall race due to their focus on speed rather than endurance.
The Green Jersey is made of the same lightweight fabric as the Yellow Jersey, but in a different color. It is also custom-fitted to the rider, to ensure maximum speed and reduce air resistance. The Green Jersey is often contested by the top sprinters in the race, who battle it out for valuable points on each stage.
The Polka Dot Jersey
The Polka Dot Jersey, or Maillot à Pois Rouges, is awarded to the rider who has accumulated the most points in the King of the Mountains competition. Points are awarded for reaching the top of designated mountain climbs first, with more points awarded for harder climbs. The Polka Dot Jersey is designed to reward climbers, who excel at the most grueling part of the race.
The Polka Dot Jersey is made of a slightly heavier fabric than the Yellow and Green Jerseys, to provide extra warmth in the mountain stages. It is also custom-fitted to the rider, to ensure maximum comfort and reduce air resistance. The Polka Dot Jersey is often worn by the top climbers in the race, who battle it out on the toughest mountain stages to claim valuable points.
The White Jersey
The White Jersey, or Maillot Blanc, is awarded to the best young rider in the race. To be eligible for the White Jersey, riders must be under 25 years old at the start of the race. The White Jersey is designed to reward young talent and encourage the development of future cycling stars.
The White Jersey is made of the same lightweight fabric as the Yellow and Green Jerseys, but in a different color. It is also custom-fitted to the rider, to ensure maximum speed and reduce air resistance. The White Jersey is often worn by the top young riders in the race, who are hoping to make a name for themselves in the cycling world.
Conclusion
The Tour De France is a grueling competition that tests the endurance, speed, and skill of the best cyclists in the world. The different tops worn by the stage leaders add an extra layer of excitement to the race, and are highly coveted by the riders. Whether you're a cycling fan or not, the Tour De France is a thrilling spectacle that showcases the very best of human endurance and athleticism.