Polka-dot jersey 2023 H - Miniature cyclists

The mountains classification in the Tour de France is a secondary classification. Points for it are awarded at the summit of climbs. The rider who has collected the most points leads the mountains classification and is allowed to wear the polka dot jersey. After the final stage, the overall winner of the mountains classification is declared the King of the Mountains.

The climbs where points can be earned for the mountains classification are divided into five categories: hors catégorie (for example Alpe d’Huez or Mont Ventoux), first category, second category, third category and fourth category.

The polka dot jersey was introduced in 1975. Before that time, there was no special jersey for the King of the Mountains. The first rider to wear the polka dot jersey was Joop Zoetemelk. The first overall winner of the mountains classification was Lucien Van Impe. The record holder for the most overall victories in this classification is Richard Virenque, who won it seven times (in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2003 and 2004). The Spaniard Federico Bahamontes and the Belgian Lucien Van Impe each won it six times.

Every year there is also a “roof” of the Tour. This is the highest summit in the race. The Henri Desgrange Trophy is awarded to the rider who reaches this summit first. The trophy is named after the founder of the Tour de France. The highest point is usually the Col du Galibier or the Col du Tourmalet. At the Galibier there is also a monument in honour of Desgrange.

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