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Tour De France King Of The Mountains Standings

The Tour De France is one of the most prestigious cycling events in the world. Each year, riders from around the globe gather to compete in this grueling race, tackling some of the toughest terrain that France has to offer. One of the most exciting aspects of the race is the King of the Mountains competition, which rewards riders for their climbing prowess. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the King of the Mountains standings and what it takes to win.

What is the King of the Mountains competition?

King Of The Mountains

As the name suggests, the King of the Mountains competition is all about climbing. Throughout the Tour De France, riders tackle some of the steepest and most challenging mountain passes in France, racking up points for their performance. The rider with the most points at the end of the competition is declared the King of the Mountains and awarded a distinctive polka-dot jersey.

How are points awarded?

Points Awarded

Points are awarded to the first few riders who cross the summit of each categorized climb (categorized from 1 to 4, with 1 being the hardest). The harder the climb, the more points are on offer. For example, the first rider to summit a Category 1 climb will be awarded 10 points, whereas the first rider to summit a Category 4 climb will be awarded just 1 point. Intermediate sprints also offer bonus points, with the first few riders across the line earning points towards their King of the Mountains total.

Who are the contenders for the 2021 King of the Mountains competition?

Contenders

Each year, a new crop of riders emerges as contenders for the King of the Mountains competition. In 2021, there are several riders to watch out for:

  • Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates)
  • Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck–Quick-Step)
  • Primoz Roglič (Team Jumbo–Visma)
  • Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers)
  • David Gaudu (Groupama–FDJ)

These riders are all seasoned climbers with a wealth of experience in the mountains. However, the King of the Mountains competition is notoriously unpredictable, and any rider could spring a surprise and come out on top.

What are some of the most challenging climbs in the King of the Mountains competition?

Challenging Climbs

The Tour De France features some of the most challenging climbs in cycling, with riders tackling steep gradients, hairpin turns, and treacherous descents. Some of the most iconic climbs in the King of the Mountains competition include:

  • Mont Ventoux
  • Alpe d'Huez
  • Col du Tourmalet
  • Col de la Madeleine
  • Col de Peyresourde

These climbs are not for the faint of heart and require a combination of power, endurance, and tactical nous to conquer.

Conclusion

The King of the Mountains competition is one of the most exciting aspects of the Tour De France, rewarding riders for their climbing prowess and offering fans some breathtaking views of the French countryside. Whether you're a seasoned cycling fan or a casual observer, the King of the Mountains competition is not to be missed.

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