Rahul Sharma (Editor)

Points classification

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit

How do you win the green jersey the tour de france points classification explained


The points classification is a secondary award category in road bicycle racing. Points are given for high finishes and, in some cases, for winning sprints at certain places along the route, most often called intermediate sprints. The points classification is the top prize for many cycling sprinters and is often known as the sprint classification; however, in some stage races these classifications are based on different criteria.

Contents

The points classification is arguably the second most important title and cycling jersey to win at a cycling stage race behind the general classification, which is the winner of the event by overall time.

Career triples

Winning the points classification in each of the three Grand Tours during a cyclist's career is a significant accomplishment. The Tour/Giro/Vuelta triple has been achieved by five riders:

  •  Djamolidine Abdoujaparov (UZB) - 1 Giro points jersey (1994), 3 Tour points jerseys (1991, 1993, 1994), 1 Vuelta points jersey (1992)
  •  Mark Cavendish (GBR) - 1 Giro points jersey (2013), 1 Tour points jersey (2011), 1 Vuelta points jersey (2010)
  •  Laurent Jalabert (FRA) - 1 Giro points jersey (1999), 2 Tour points jerseys (1992, 1995), 4 Vuelta points jerseys (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997)
  •  Eddy Merckx (BEL) - 2 Giro points jersey (1968, 1973), 3 Tour points jerseys (1969, 1971, 1972), 1 Vuelta points jersey (1973)
  •  Alessandro Petacchi (ITA) - 1 Giro points jersey (2004), 1 Tour points jersey (2010), 1 Vuelta points jersey (2005)

    • Natural doubles

    Winning the points classification in two Grand Tours in a single year is a rare feat.

    The Tour/Giro double has been achieved by one rider:

  • Djamolidine Abdoujaparov (1994)

    • The Giro/Vuelta double has been achieved by one rider:

  • Eddy Merckx (1973)

    • The Tour/Vuelta double has been achieved by four riders:

  • Rudi Altig (1962)
  • Jan Janssen (1967)
  • Sean Kelly (1985)
  • Laurent Jalabert (1995)

    • Most points jerseys (Grand Tours)

  • 9: Erik Zabel -  Germany
  • Tour de France (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001)
  • Vuelta a España (2002, 2003, 2004)
  • Note: In 2013, Zabel admitted to taking banned substances from 1996-2003, including EPO and the steroid hormone cortisone.
  • 8: Sean Kelly -  Ireland
  • Tour de France (1982, 1983, 1985, 1989)
  • Vuelta a España (1980, 1985, 1986, 1988)
  • 7: Laurent Jalabert -  France
  • Tour de France (1992, 1995)
  • Giro d'Italia (1999)
  • Vuelta a España (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997)
  • 6: Eddy Merckx -  Belgium
  • Tour de France (1969, 1971, 1972)
  • Giro d'Italia (1968, 1973)
  • Vuelta a España (1973)
  • 5: Djamolidine Abdoujaparov -  Uzbekistan
  • Tour de France (1991, 1993, 1994)
  • Giro d'Italia (1994)
  • Vuelta a España (1992)
  • 5: Jan Janssen -  Netherlands
  • Tour de France (1964, 1965, 1967)
  • Vuelta a España (1967, 1968)
  • 5: Peter Sagan -  Slovakia
  • Tour de France (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)

    • References

    Points classification Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA