Maillot Jaune (the yellow Jersey)
The yellow jersey, or maillot jaune, was introduced to the Tour de France in 1919 to make the race leader instantly recognisable to spectators. The iconic colour was chosen to match the distinct yellow newsprint of L'Auto, the sports newspaper that founded the race in 1903.
The bright colour of canary yellow was chosen for its large visibility in the peloton in a tribute to the race's origins, singling out who was wearing it as the frontrunner in the epic journey across France. Only an exclusive group of legendary cyclists has become permanently associated with the jersey throughout the more than a century-long history of the Tour de France.
Maillot à Pois Rouges (the polka dot jersey)
Conquering the mountains in the Alps and Pyrenees is crucial to winning the Tour de France, and as a consequence, the best riders in the history of the race have all worn the polka dot jersey, which is the top mountain climber’s prize. Covered with red dots on a white background, it's awarded to the rider who accumulates the most points on classified climbs.
The jersey's design was influenced by a chocolate company (featuring as a sponsor), which packaged their products in similarly patterned designs when the jersey was introduced in 1975. This jersey not only highlights the best climber but also dots the mountain stages.
Maillot Vert (the green jersey)
Winning the green jersey in the famous sprint at The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is an iconic moment in the race. The wearer of the green jersey or 'Maillot Vert' will prove to be the dominant rider across flat terrains and sprints. Since its inception in 1953, during the 50th anniversary of the Tour, the green jersey has been a symbol of the race's best sprinter, and has been awarded on points earned in intermediate sprints and stage finishes.
Launching the green jersey was originally designed as marketing for the race's sponsor, a lawnmower manufacturer, linking the colour to the sprinter's explosive energy across the green landscapes of France.
Maillot Blanc (the white jersey)
The white jersey, or 'Maillot Blanc', is symbolic of huge potential and offers hope for the future. It's awarded to the best young rider, aged 25 or under, in the general classification. Following a brief appearance in the early years of the Tour, it was reintroduced in 1975 and has remained ever since as the white jersey's colour honours emerging talent within the peloton and embodies the young spirit of the race.
Tadej Pogacar holds the record for winning the white jersey the most times, on four occasions (2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023).