The yellow, green, red polka dot, and white jerseys worn by cyclists in the Tour de France represent the best competitor in different categories. The standings can change from day to day, especially early in the race.
YELLOW:
The official chemise of the Tour de France is the maillot jaune, or yellow jersey. It indicates who is currently in the lead overall in the race. The picture of the yellow-shirted victor is seen across the world when riders wrap up the three-week race by riding through the streets of Paris.
The cyclist who is currently in the lead overall is given the yellow jersey following each of the 20 stages, or race days. The entire time required to complete each stage is added to the total time of all previous races to determine the overall leader. He performs with the yellow the following day.
GREEN:
The sprinter's jersey is known as the green jersey or maillot vert. The first 10 to 25 riders to cross the finish line at each stage receive points. The number of sprint points awarded is determined on the course for the day (flat courses provide more points than mountainous terrain), as well as the rider's finish position for that day. Within some stages, there are point-earning mini-sprints. Between 1996 and 2001, the German Erik Zabel set a record by taking home the final green jersey in the Tour six times in a row.
WHITE WITH RED POLKA DOTS:
This is the King of the Mountains jersey. Points are awarded to the first rider to reach the crest of designated hills and mountains. Mountains are graded according to steepness, length, and position on the course, and points correspond to the grade. The best climber awards began in 1933, and the maillot à pois rouges was first worn in 1975.
WHITE:
The quickest rider overall who is under 25 (as of January 1 of the race year) dons this jersey. In 1975, the first white jersey was worn.
Within the Tour de France, there are additional awards and events that don't include jerseys. For instance, instead of the customary black on white, the aggressive rider of each stage—the one who tries to get away from the pack—will don a red number on a white background. The team that has the fastest three riders will win the team reward, which is represented by a black number on a yellow background
