Cycling: The Tour de France jerseys

Bradley Wiggins of Great Britain and SKY Procycling celebrates on a processional lap after winning the 2012 Tour de France after the twentieth and final stage of the 2012 Tour de France, from Rambouillet to the Champs-Elysees on July 22, 2012 in Paris, France. (Getty Images)

A list of the Tour de France jerseys and how they are won in the race, to be held June 29-July 21:

Yellow jersey (general classification)

Regarded as the symbol of the world’s biggest bike race, the yellow jersey, or ‘maillot jaune’ is also the most prestigious. At the end of the race it is awarded to the rider who has taken the least overall time to complete the course. The yellow jersey can be worn by a number of riders throughout the race but only a select few have the all-round capabilities — notably in the mountains and in the race’s time trials — to still be challenging in the closing stages. The cash prize for winning the yellow jersey is 450,000 euros.

Green jersey (points classification)

The green jersey or ‘maillot vert’ has traditionally been coveted by the sprinters of the peloton, but officially is the prize awarded to the rider who wins the points competition. On the Tour de France, points are awarded at the end of each of the non-climbing stages, on which points can also be picked up at the intermediate sprints. Last year’s winner was Slovakian Peter Sagan, who is likely to be challenged this year by 2011 winner Mark Cavendish. The cash prize for the green jersey winner is 25,000 euros.

Polka dot (mountains classification)

For the riders who excel on the race’s legendary climbs, the polka dot jersey is the ultimate reward. On the Tour, points are awarded to the leading riders over climbs, which are categorised from one to four, four being the least difficult. Most points, however, are awarded on the ‘hors categorie’ (unclassified) climbs which are long, steep and take the field into the rarified air of the high mountains at altitudes often exceeding 2000 metres. The rider with the most mountain points at the end of the race is crowned ‘King of the Mountains’, who also earns 25,000 euros.

White jersey (25 and under classification)

The white jersey is the equivalent of the yellow jersey for riders who are aged 25 and under when the race starts. As with the yellow jersey, it is awarded to the rider with the least overall time to complete the course. White jersey winners can also finish high up in the general classification. Last year’s winner was American Tejay Van Garderen, who finished fifth overall having fought to keep his team leader, Cadel Evans, challenging in the race until the end. The cash prize is 20,000 euros.