New leader’s jersey: Will there soon be a jersey for the best German rider?

The International Cycling Union (UCI) sets out in its regulations exactly which classification jerseys are permitted in stage races. Until now, the leading women or men in the general classification, mountains classification, sprint classification and young rider classification have been awarded a special jersey. Now an idea has emerged that benefits the host country of a stage race: a jersey for the best national rider. This means, for example, a dedicated classification jersey for the best rider from Germany at the Tour of Germany, or an ‘Italia’ jersey at the Giro. The idea was developed by the UCI’s Professional Cycling Council (PCC). The PCC is the organisation that brings together stakeholders in professional men’s and women’s road cycling. The idea has been approved in principle – now all that remains is to set out the conditions for introducing the jersey.

History of the Yellow Jersey

The most famous leader’s jersey in cycling is the yellow jersey of the Tour de France. In 1919, the Tour’s founder, Henri Desgrange, came up with the idea: the overall leader should wear a yellow jersey so that he could be more easily recognised by spectators. According to one legend, he chose the colour yellow because his sports newspaper, *L’Auto*, was printed on yellow paper. Another version simply states that this was the only fabric available.

Many years passed before further jerseys were introduced at the Tour de France. Although a prize for the best climber has been awarded at the Tour de France since 1933, a dedicated jersey was long absent. The idea of creating a special jersey for the best climber originated in 1975 from Chocolat Poulain, the then sponsor of this classification. The chain’s directors wanted their sponsorship to be clearly recognised.

Economic significance of the race jersey

For sponsors, the leader’s jersey offers increased visibility. A new leader’s jersey therefore presents an opportunity for new advertising revenue. The Tour de France’s yellow jersey is the most expensive sponsorship opportunity in cycling. According to media reports, sponsoring the yellow jersey costs around 10 million euros. The other classification jerseys in the Tour are expected to generate around 3.5 million euros.