The History Behind the Most Iconic Tour de France Jerseys

Since its first edition in 1903, the Tour de France has been the pinnacle of cycling, a legendary race where champions are made, and history is written. But beyond the epic climbs, breakaways, and sprint finishes, the jerseys worn by riders have become symbols of greatness. Each jersey tells a story—of triumph, perseverance, and cycling heritage. Let’s dive into the history behind the most iconic jerseys of the Tour de France.

1. The Maillot Jaune – The Yellow Jersey of the Leader

Perhaps the most famous jersey in all of cycling, the Maillot Jaune (Yellow Jersey) is awarded to the rider leading the Tour de France’s general classification (GC).

Origins (1919)

The yellow jersey was introduced in 1919 by race organizer Henri Desgrange to help spectators easily identify the race leader. The color was chosen to match the pages of L’Auto, the newspaper that organized the Tour.

Legendary Riders Who Wore It

• Eddy Merckx – The all-time record holder with 111 days in yellow.
• Bernard Hinault – The last Frenchman to win the Tour, five-time champion.
• Miguel Induráin – Dominated the 1990s with five consecutive victories.

The Maillot Jaune is more than just a jersey—it represents the dream of every professional cyclist.

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2. The Maillot Vert – The Green Jersey of the Sprinters

First introduced in 1953 to celebrate the Tour’s 50th anniversary, the Maillot Vert (Green Jersey) rewards the most consistent sprinter in the race.

How It Works

Points are awarded at intermediate sprints and stage finishes, favoring the fastest riders in the peloton.

Memorable Wearers

• Erik Zabel (Germany) – Holds the record with six green jerseys.
• Peter Sagan (Slovakia) – Dominated the modern era with seven titles.
• Sean Kelly (Ireland) – A powerhouse sprinter and four-time green jersey winner.

The green jersey is the mark of speed, power, and pure sprinting excellence.

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3. The Maillot à Pois – The Polka Dot Jersey of the Climbers

Introduced in 1975, the Maillot à Pois (Polka Dot Jersey) rewards the best climber in the Tour, also known as the “King of the Mountains.”

The Story Behind the Dots

The sponsor behind the jersey, chocolate brand Poulain, used polka dots on its packaging, which inspired the unique red-on-white design.

Climbing Legends

• Lucien Van Impe (Belgium) – Won six polka dot jerseys and one Tour de France.
• Richard Virenque (France) – Holds the record with seven wins.
• Marco Pantani (Italy) – The ultimate climber, who won both the polka dot jersey and yellow jersey in 1998.

This jersey is a badge of honor for fearless riders who attack the toughest mountain passes.

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4. The Maillot Blanc – The White Jersey for the Best Young Rider

Introduced in 1975, the Maillot Blanc (White Jersey) is awarded to the best rider under 25 in the general classification.

A Glimpse into the Future

Many white jersey winners have gone on to become Tour de France champions.

Future Champions Who Wore It

• Laurent Fignon (France) – Won the white jersey in 1983 before taking the overall title.
• Jan Ullrich (Germany) – Won it in 1996, then claimed yellow in 1997.
• Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia) – Won both the white and yellow jerseys in 2020 and 2021.

The Maillot Blanc is the jersey of rising stars—watch this space!

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Ride in the Spirit of Legends – Get Your Own Vintage Tour de France Jerseys!

The Tour de France jerseys are more than just race uniforms—they are part of cycling history. Whether it’s the Maillot Jaune of champions, the Maillot Vert of sprinters, or the Maillot à Pois of mountain kings, each jersey represents a different battle on the road.

Want to own a piece of cycling heritage? At Pulling Turns, we bring you the best selection of vintage cycling jerseys, inspired by the greats.

Explore Our Collection and ride like the legends!