As well as the battle for the Yellow Jersey, the mountains classification also provides plenty of excitement every year. The polka-dot jersey offers, in the 2026 Tour de France Above all, it provides a big stage for riders who have little chance of making an impact in the general classification but can fully showcase their strengths in the high mountains. This is precisely where the trio, which is taking centre stage this year, comes into its own. However, there is also a pure stage specialist in the mix.
Tour de France – Polka-dot jersey: The favourites
Lenny Martinez is one of the most obvious candidates. The Frenchman is a consummate climbing specialist who feels most at home in the mountains and will be looking to capitalise on his chances primarily through breakaways during the stages. As he is unlikely to have the consistency needed to beat the top favourites for the overall victory, he can focus his efforts specifically on selected stages. This approach makes him an ideal contender for plenty of points in the mountains classification, especially as he consistently impresses with explosive bursts of speed in the high mountains.
Richard Carapaz, who is lining up at the start following a last-minute change of plan for the Tour, has a similar profile. The Ecuadorian has a wealth of experience and has already proven in 2024 that he can win such a jersey against the top contenders in the general classification. His strength lies above all in launching decisive attacks from breakaway groups. In such race situations, he is difficult to control and can systematically secure points on the mountain climbs. Carapaz could prove to be one of the key riders, particularly on long and demanding stages. However, his ambitions for the ‘Maillot à pois’ depend on whether he stays in contention for the general classification until the end of the three-week Tour de France. If that is the case, he is unlikely to make any breakaway attempts and will therefore not accumulate enough points in the mountains classification.
Valentin Paret-Peintre is the third contender to watch. The Frenchman is a classic lightweight and ranks among the purest climbers in the field. For him, it will be a matter of making the most of opportunities to attack during the stages and thus build up a points cushion bit by bit. Unlike most of the other contenders for the Polka Dot Jersey, he is definitely not a rider for the general classification. He has already demonstrated his qualities in the high mountains, which is why he can be trusted to deliver a consistent haul of points over several weeks. If he consistently capitalises on the opportunities that arise, he too can play a decisive role in the battle for the polka-dot jersey.
Or perhaps the general classification riders?
Although the mountains classification has consistently provided plenty of excitement in recent years, it is quite possible that one of the top riders in the general classification will win the jersey. In 2022, Jonas Vingegaard snatched the jersey from German climber Simon Geschke shortly before the end of the race; in 2025, Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard overtook Lenny Martinez in the classification. Given how dominant Pogačar and Vingegaard are on stages offering plenty of mountain points, it is becoming increasingly difficult for true stage hunters and pure climbing specialists to make their mark at the Tour de France. It is all the more satisfying, then, when, at the end, during the podium ceremony in Paris, it is not one and the same rider who steps onto the podium wearing both the general classification jersey and the polka-dot jersey.
Leon Weidner
Working student
