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Year-by-year breakdown of every rider to win the Tour de France green jersey points classification since its addition to the race in 1953. Peter Sagan holds the record with seven victories in the green jersey competition while Belgium (19) and France (9) lead the way for countries with the most wins.

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The Green Jersey at the Tour de France - A Brief History

The best sprinter at the Tour de France is given the green jersey. But how long has the green jersey been around?

The green jersey (or maillot vert ) is second only to the world's most famous yellow jumper as the most coveted prize in all of cycling. It signifies the leader of the points classification at the Tour de France.

Points are awarded at stage finishes and intermediate sprints. Currently, 50 points are given to the stage winner on a flat stage and 20 points are given to the winner of each intermediate sprint. Less points are awarded at the finish line on hilly and mountain stages, which means the sprinters start with the best chance of winning the points classification.

Current Tour de France standings

Tour de France 2021 Guide

Joining the breakaway can be a great method to gain an upper hand in the green jersey. This way, competitors can reach intermediate sprints ahead of their rivals. However, this tactic often requires climbing skills and powers of recovery, something that not all sprinters possess in abundance. Therefore, the eventual winner of the green jersey must be a somewhat complete rider and not simply the fastest sprinter.

To win the green jersey, the victor must complete all 21 stages of the Tour de France. This means the winner must be able to cross the highest mountains within the time limit and  recover well between stages .

The green jersey was introduced at the 1953 Tour de France. The winner that year was Fritz Schär. In stark contrast to the modern profile of green jersey winners,  Schär came third in the overall general classification the following year.

Fritz Schär at the 1953 Tour de France. Photo credit: RDB/ullstein bild via Getty Images

In 1968, the leader of the points classification wore a red jersey due to a change in sponsorship. The eventual winner that year was Franco Bitossi, though the colour of the jersey reverted to green only one year later, in 1969, and has remained green since.

Related – Mark Cavendish's transcendent win

Winners of the Points Classification / Green Jersey

• Peter Sagan - 7 (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019)
• Erik Zabel - 6 (1996,1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001)
• Sean Kelly - 4 (1982, 1983, 1985, 1989)

Peter Sagan has won the points classification seven times, more than any other rider. He won the green jersey every season between 2012 and 2019 bar the 2017 Tour de France where he was disqualified from the race after colliding with Mark Cavendish on stage 4. Sagan has only been defeated in the points classification once in a Tour de France he has completed — Sam Bennett won the green jersey ahead of Sagan at the 2020 Tour de France.

Erik Zabel previously held the record. He won the points classification every year between 1996 and 2001 whilst riding for Team Telekom. Although he never won the green jersey again after the 2001 Tour de France, Zabel finished second or third in all of the six Tour de France he entered between 2002 and 2008.

Jan Janssen, Eddy Merckx, Freddy Marten s, Djamolidine Abdoujaparov and Robbie McEwen are the five riders that have won the green jersey on three occasions throughout their careers.

Cover image: A.S.O./Charly Lopez

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GREEN JERSEY

Created in 1953 on the occasion of the Tour de France’s 50th anniversary, the green jersey , which is sponsored by Skoda, rewards the rider who is leading the points classification each day. Points are awarded at stage finishes and at the intermediate sprints in line stages. It owes its colour to its first partner, La Belle Jardinière, a chain of clothing stores established in the 19th century. It goes without saying that this symbol of explosivity, passion and speed is typically held by the sprinters. You only have to look at the identity of the winners to be convinced of this, in particular the Slovak Peter Sagan who has won the Green Serge seven times.

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Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the Tour de France Green Jersey

Mathew Mitchell

• Published on June 17, 2024
• in Men's Cycling

The Tour de France Green Jersey, known as the “maillot vert,” is awarded to the leader of the points classification in the Tour de France. Introduced in 1953 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the race, this jersey has become a symbol of sprinting excellence, rewarding consistency, speed, and tactical prowess. Initially sponsored by a lawnmower company, hence its green colour, the jersey quickly became an iconic symbol of the Tour. It is one of the most sought-after prizes in cycling, second only to the iconic yellow jersey.

Table of Contents

What is the Green Jersey?

The green jersey is awarded to the rider who accumulates the most points during the Tour de France. Points are earned through high placements in stage finishes and intermediate sprints. Flat stages offer the most points, making sprinters the primary contenders for the green jersey. The competition often features intense rivalry, as riders must balance speed, endurance, and strategic placement throughout the race.

How Points Are Awarded

Points are given at stage finishes and intermediate sprints. Currently, the stage winner on a flat stage gets 50 points, while each intermediate sprint winner earns 20 points. Fewer points are awarded on hilly and mountain stages, so sprinters have the best chance of winning the points classification.

Tactics and Challenges

Joining a breakaway can help competitors gain an upper hand for the green jersey by reaching intermediate sprints ahead of their rivals. However, this tactic demands climbing skills and strong recovery abilities, which not all sprinters have. Therefore, the green jersey winner must be a well-rounded rider, not just the fastest sprinter. To win the green jersey, the rider must complete all 21 stages of the Tour de France. This includes crossing the highest mountains within the time limit and recovering well between stages.

Who Has Won the Tour de France Green Jersey the Most Times?

Peter Sagan holds the record for the most green jersey victories. The Slovakian sprinter and all-rounder has claimed the maillot vert seven times (2012-2016, 2018-2019). Sagan’s remarkable consistency, versatility across various terrains, and sprinting prowess have solidified his place in Tour de France history.

Sagan’s achievements in the Tour de France are not limited to his green jersey wins. He has also secured 12 stage victories, showcasing his sprinting ability and tactical acumen. Notable stage wins include:

• 2012 : Stages 1, 3, and 6
• 2013 : Stage 7
• 2016 : Stages 2, 11, and 16
• 2017 : Stage 3
• 2018 : Stages 2, 5, and 13
• 2019 : Stage 5

Peter Sagan’s Green Jersey Wins:

• 2012 : 421 points
• 2013 : 409 points
• 2014 : 431 points
• 2015 : 432 points
• 2016 : 470 points
• 2018 : 477 points
• 2019 : 316 points

Sagan’s ability to consistently finish stages in top positions has contributed to his repeated success in the points classification.

Which Rider Has Spent the Most Days in the Tour de France Green Jersey?

Peter Sagan has also spent the most days in the green jersey, wearing it for a total of 130 days through the 2020 Tour de France. This surpasses Erik Zabel, who wore the green jersey for 89 days. Zabel’s dominance in the points classification during the late 1990s and early 2000s is still highly regarded, with six consecutive green jersey wins from 1996 to 2001.

Notable Past Tour de France Green Jersey Winners

Sean kelly: the consistent champion.

Sean Kelly, an Irish cycling legend , is one of the most distinguished riders to have donned the green jersey. Kelly won the points classification four times during his illustrious career: in 1982, 1983, 1985, and 1989. Known for his all-around capabilities, Kelly was not just a sprinter but a versatile rider who excelled across different terrains and stages.

• 1980: 1 stage win
• 1982: 1 stage win
• 1983: 1 stage win
• 1984: 1 stage win
• 1985: 1 stage win
• Green Jersey Victories: Kelly’s points classification wins in 1982, 1983, 1985, and 1989 highlighted his ability to maintain top performance across multiple editions of the Tour.

Robbie McEwen: The Explosive Sprinter

Robbie McEwen, an Australian sprinting sensation, claimed the green jersey three times (2002, 2004, 2006). McEwen’s sprinting style was characterised by his explosive speed and sharp tactical instincts, particularly in the chaotic final meters of a sprint finish.

• 1999: 2 stage wins
• 2002: 3 stage wins
• 2004: 1 stage win
• 2005: 3 stage wins
• 2006: 3 stage wins
• Green Jersey Victories: McEwen’s consistent performance in 2002, 2004, and 2006 earned him the green jersey, underscoring his tactical brilliance and sprinting excellence.

Mark Cavendish: The Manx Missile

Mark Cavendish , often hailed as one of the greatest sprinters in cycling history, won the green jersey in 2011. The British sprinter’s career is marked by his powerful finishes and an impressive number of stage wins in the Tour de France.

• 2008: 4 stage wins
• 2009: 6 stage wins
• 2010: 5 stage wins
• 2011: 5 stage wins
• 2012: 3 stage wins
• 2013: 2 stage wins
• 2015: 1 stage win
• 2016: 4 stage wins
• 2021: 4 stage wins
• Green Jersey Victory: Cavendish’s green jersey win in 2011 was a result of his remarkable consistency and sprinting prowess throughout that year’s Tour.

Erik Zabel: The Record Holder

Erik Zabel, a German sprinting powerhouse, holds the record for the most green jerseys won in the Tour de France. Zabel claimed the points classification six times consecutively from 1996 to 2001, showcasing his unparalleled dominance in the sprints.

• 1995: 1 stage win
• 1996: 2 stage wins
• 1997: 3 stage wins
• 1998: 2 stage wins
• 1999: 1 stage win
• 2000: 1 stage win
• 2001: 1 stage win
• Green Jersey Victories: Zabel’s six consecutive green jerseys from 1996 to 2001 are a testament to his sustained excellence and ability to outperform his rivals over multiple seasons.

History of the Tour de France Green Jersey

The inaugural winner: fritz schär.

Swiss rider Fritz Schär had the honour of being the first cyclist to don the green jersey. Schär’s victory in the points classification during the 1953 Tour de France was notable not only for its novelty but also for his exceptional performance. He demonstrated consistent speed and skill across various stages, ultimately securing third place in the overall general classification the following year, a feat rarely matched by modern green jersey winners who typically excel in sprints rather than overall endurance.

Early Points System

At the start of its life, the green jersey was awarded to the rider with the lowest points based on their total finishing positions throughout the Tour de France. This method focused on rewarding consistent high placements rather than outright stage victories. However, in 1959, the system underwent a significant change, transitioning to a format more recognisable today. Points began to be awarded based on stage finishes and intermediate sprints, thus encouraging aggressive racing and stage-winning efforts.

A Brief Colour Change: The 1968 Red Jersey

In a notable departure from tradition, the green jersey was replaced with a red jersey for the 1968 Tour de France due to a change in sponsorship. This switch created a unique visual shift in the peloton, with Italian cyclist Franco Bitossi emerging as the points classification leader that year. Bitossi’s prowess in stage finishes earned him the red jersey, but this alteration was short-lived.

Reversion to Tradition: The Return of the Green Jersey

The green jersey made its comeback in the 1969 Tour de France, reinstating its place in the race’s rich heritage. Since then, it has remained a staple of the competition, symbolising sprinting excellence and consistency across flat and intermediate stages. The green jersey has been worn by some of the sport’s most legendary sprinters, including Eddy Merckx, Sean Kelly, and Peter Sagan, each adding their legacy to the storied history of the points classification.

What Are Some Interesting Statistics About the Green Jersey?

• Most Points in a Single Tour : Peter Sagan holds the record for the most points accumulated in a single Tour, with 477 points in 2018. This record-breaking performance is particularly notable considering that Sagan was forced to withdraw from the 2017 Tour de France after a controversial disqualification. His comeback in 2018, with such a high points tally, shows his resilience and dominance in the sprinting field. To put this into perspective, Sagan’s 477 points were significantly higher than the second-place finisher in the points classification, clearly demonstrating his superiority that year.
• Youngest Winner : Eddy Planckaert, at 23 years and 8 months, became the youngest green jersey winner in 1988. Planckaert’s victory is remarkable not only because of his age but also because he achieved this during a highly competitive era for sprinters. At that time, the peloton included formidable sprinters like Sean Kelly and Eric Vanderaerden, making Planckaert’s triumph a notable feat of youthful talent against seasoned competitors.
• Oldest Winner : Erik Zabel claimed his sixth green jersey at the age of 32 in 2001. Zabel’s sixth win capped off a dominant period where he won the green jersey every year from 1996 to 2001. Zabel’s six victories also tie him with Sean Kelly for the most green jerseys won, highlighting his place among the legends of the sport. Interestingly, Zabel’s 2001 victory came in a Tour that saw him competing against emerging talents like Robbie McEwen , showcasing his enduring skill and competitive spirit.

Close Battles for the Green Jersey in Tour de France History

The green jersey, awarded to the leader of the points classification in the Tour de France, often results in some of the most intense and thrilling battles within the race. The competition for this jersey rewards consistency, sprint finishes, and tactical prowess across various stages. Here are some notable close contests:

1961: André Darrigade vs. Gérard Saint

• Margin : 5 points
• Overview : The 1961 Tour de France featured a tight contest for the green jersey between André Darrigade and Gérard Saint. Darrigade, a renowned French sprinter, faced stiff competition from his compatriot Saint, who was also vying for the prestigious points classification.
• Key Moments : The race saw both riders consistently scoring points, with Darrigade’s sprinting prowess giving him a slight edge. The competition remained fierce until the final stages, where Darrigade secured the green jersey by a narrow margin of 5 points, showing off the tight and competitive nature of the points race.

1970: Walter Godefroot vs. Eddy Merckx

• Overview : The 1970 Tour de France featured a close competition for the green jersey between Walter Godefroot and Eddy Merckx . Godefroot, a Belgian sprinter, faced off against Merckx, who was dominant in both the general classification and the points classification.
• Key Moments : The points race was tight throughout the Tour, with Godefroot leveraging his sprinting abilities to amass points in flat stages. Merckx, while primarily focused on the yellow jersey, also collected points with his versatile performance. Godefroot ultimately clinched the green jersey by a mere 5 points, demonstrating the narrow margins that can define this competition.

2001: Erik Zabel vs. Stuart O’Grady

• Margin : 8 points
• Overview : The 2001 Tour de France featured a tight race for the green jersey between Erik Zabel and Stuart O’Grady. Zabel, a dominant sprinter, was aiming for his sixth consecutive green jersey, while O’Grady posed a significant challenge with his strong performances.
• Key Moments : Throughout the race, Zabel and O’Grady exchanged the lead multiple times. The competition remained fierce until the final stages, where Zabel’s consistent performance in intermediate sprints and stage finishes allowed him to secure the green jersey by a slim margin of 8 points.

2003: Baden Cooke vs. Robbie McEwen

• Margin : 2 points
• Overview : The 2003 Tour de France witnessed an extremely tight race for the green jersey between two Australian sprinters, Baden Cooke and Robbie McEwen. This edition was particularly dramatic, with the lead for the green jersey changing multiple times throughout the race.
• Key Moments: The final decision came down to the last stage in Paris. Cooke managed to edge out McEwen by winning crucial points in the intermediate sprints and securing enough points in the final stage to win the jersey by a mere 2 points.

2009: Thor Hushovd vs. Mark Cavendish

• Margin: 10 points
• Overview: In 2009, Norwegian cyclist Thor Hushovd and British sprinter Mark Cavendish engaged in a fierce competition for the green jersey. Hushovd, known for his versatility and ability to collect points in various terrains, faced off against Cavendish, who was renowned for his sprinting dominance.
• Key Moments: Cavendish won an impressive six stages, showcasing his sprinting prowess. However, Hushovd’s strategy of consistently placing well in stages and collecting points in intermediate sprints, particularly in the mountain stages, allowed him to maintain a lead. Additionally, Cavendish was disqualified from earning points on one stage due to alleged dangerous riding, which further impacted the points tally.

2010: Alessandro Petacchi vs. Mark Cavendish

• Margin: 11 points
• Overview: The 2010 Tour de France saw Italian sprinter Alessandro Petacchi and Mark Cavendish locked in a close battle for the green jersey. Petacchi, a veteran sprinter, utilised his experience and consistency to challenge Cavendish, who was once again the fastest man in the peloton.
• Key Moments: Despite Cavendish winning five stages, Petacchi’s consistent high finishes and point accumulation in various stages, including those not typically favouring pure sprinters, enabled him to secure the green jersey.

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Tour de France jerseys: Yellow, green, white and polka dot explained

We explain what the yellow, green, polka dot and white jerseys worn by riders in the Tour de France represent

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• Yellow jersey
• Green jersey
• Polka dot jersey
• White jersey
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The Tour de France sees the very best cyclists in the world battle it out for the yellow, green, white and polka dot jerseys, based on the general, points, mountains and young rider classifications. 

The jersey for each category is awarded to the leader of that classification at the end of every stage, and the recipient earns the right to wear it during the following day's racing. When a rider has the lead in multiple classifications, the yellow jersey is prioritised, then green, the polka dot, and white - the next person on the ranking wears the kit in the leader's stead.

Here we take a brief look at what they are and how they are won. 

Tour de France yellow jersey - GC leader

Also called the maillot jaune , the Tour de France yellow jersey is the most coveted piece of kit in professional cycling. The wearer is the rider who has completed the race in the least amount of time, and as such tops the overall or general classification (GC) of the race.

Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) dominated the GC in 2020 and 2021, wearing the yellow jersey almost throughout the 2021 edition, before Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) took it off him halfway through the 2022 race, wearing it until the end of the race. He went on to win it again in 2023.

Before that, in 2012, Bradley Wiggins became the first British rider to finish in Paris in the Yellow Jersey - with Chris Froome following up in 2013, 2015-2017. Geraint Thomas took the 2018 race, becoming the third British rider to win the race.

The yellow jersey is sponsored by LCL, a French bank, and it is yellow, because the Tour's original organiser, L'Auto , was a newspaper printed on yellow paper. 

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A time bonus of 10, six and four seconds will be awarded to the first three riders across the finish line each day (not including TTs). These bonus seconds are taken off their stage and therefore overall time. Bonus seconds of eight, five and two seconds are also awarded on certain, strategically placed climbs on stages one, two, five, 12, 14 and 17.

Last 10 winners of the Tour de France general classification:

• 2014: Vincenzo Nibali 
• 2015: Chris Froome
• 2016: Chris Froome
• 2017: Chris Froome
• 2018: Geraint Thomas
• 2019: Egan Bernal
• 2020: Tadej Pogačar
• 2021: Tadej Pogačar
• 2022: Jonas Vinegaard
• 2023: Jonas Vinegaard

Tour de France green jersey - points classification

The green jersey relates to points awarded to riders according to the position they finish on each stage, with additional points for intermediate sprints during some stages also on offer.

The number of points on offer will vary depending upon the type of stage. More are on offer during pure flat, sprint days, while on hilly and mountain stages there are fewer points available. The points are then tallied up after each stage and added to points won in all previous stages. The green jersey ( maillot vert) is awarded to the rider with the most points. Sometimes it is a sprinter's game, sometimes more of an all-rounder - like Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma).

The jersey took its colour because the initial sponsor was a lawn mower manufacturer - though the colour was changed once in 1968 to accommodate a sponsor. It is now sponsored by Škoda, and has a new shade for this year .

Both Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault successfully won both the general classification and the points classification with Merckx achieving the biggest sweep in 1969 with the points, mountain and general classifications to his name. Over the last ten years, Peter Sagan has triumphed in the points classification on no less than seven occasions. 

The following points are on offer:

Flat stage (stages 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16): 50, 30, 20 points (descending to 15th place) 

Hilly stage (stages 1, 11, 17, 18): 30, 25, 22 points (descending to 15th place)

Mountain stage and ITTs (4, 7, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21): 20, 17, 15, (descending to 15th place)

Intermediate sprint: 20, 17, 15, (descending to 15th place)

Last 10 winners of the Tour de France points classification:

• 2014: Peter Sagan
• 2015: Peter Sagan
• 2016: Peter Sagan
• 2017: Michael Matthews
• 2018: Peter Sagan
• 2019: Peter Sagan
• 2020: Sam Bennett
• 2021: Mark Cavendish
• 2022: Wout van Aert
• 2023: Jasper Philipsen

Tour de France jerseys: Polka dot - King of the Mountains classification leader

Tour de france polka dot jersey - mountains classification.

Mountains points are awarded to riders who manage to summit classified climbs first. Points vary depending on the category of each ascent, with more difficult climbs awarding more mountains points.  

Climbs are divided into five categories: 1 (most difficult) to 4 (least difficult) - then there's the ' Hors Categorie ', denoted by HC which represents the most challenging of ascents. The tougher the category, the more points on offer, and to more riders - a HC climb will see points awarded down to the first eight over the summit, while a fourth category climb results in points for just the first rider over the top.

The organisers decide which mountains or climbs will be included in the competition, and which category they fall into. If the stage features a summit finish, the points for the climb are doubled.

The points are tallied up after each stage and added to points won in all previous stages. The distinctive white-with-red-dots jersey ( maillot à pois rouges ) is given to the rider with the most mountains points. The first climber's award was given out in 1933, and the jersey arrived on the scene in 1975. It is now sponsored by Leclerc, a supermarket.

Points awarded as follows:

HC: 20, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2pts  

1st cat: 10, 8, 6, 7, 5, 1pt 

2nd cat: Five, three, two.

3rd cat: Two and one points 

4th cat: One point 

The souvenir Henri Desgrange is awarded to the first rider over the race’s highest point, the Cime de la Bonnette, with a bonus of  40, 30, 24, 20, 16, 12, 8, 4 points, on stage 19.

Last 10 winners of the Tour de France mountains classification:

• 2014:  Rafał Majka
• 2015:  Chris Froome
• 2016: Rafał Majka
• 2017: Warren Barguil
• 2018: Julian Alaphilippe
• 2019: Romain Bardet
• 2023: Giulio Ciccone

Tour de France white jersey - best young rider

The plain white, young rider classification jersey is awarded to the fastest rider born after 1 January 1998, meaning 25 or under. It is sponsored by Krys, an opticians

First introduced in 1975, riders such as Marco Pantani, Alberto Contador, Egan Bernal and Tadej Pogačar have all won the young rider classification, helping propel them onto bigger and better things during their careers.

Pogačar has been dominant in the white jersey competition in recent years, but this is the first year he is not eligible.

Last 10 winners of the Tour de France young rider classification:

• 2014:  Thibaut Pinot
• 2015: Nairo Quintana
• 2016:  Adam Yates
• 2017: Simon Yates
• 2018: Pierre Latour
• 2022: Tadej Pogačar
• 2023: Tadej Pogačar

Other Tour de France classifications - team and combativity

There are two further classifications that do not earn the winner(s) a coloured jersey - the most aggressive rider award and Team Classification .

While not necessarily a classification, the Combativity Award is given to the rider who has shown the most fighting spirit during each individual stage, as chosen by the race jury. They will wear a gold race number during the following day's stage. A 'Super Combativity' award is handed out on the final stage for the most aggressive rider during the whole race.

The Team Classification is based on the collective time of the three highest-placed riders from each squad. Leaders of the team classification get to wear race numbers that are yellow with black digits, and the right to wear yellow helmets. The latter is not compulsory.

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Adam is Cycling Weekly ’s news editor – his greatest love is road racing but as long as he is cycling on tarmac, he's happy. Before joining Cycling Weekly he spent two years writing for Procycling, where he interviewed riders and wrote about racing. He's usually out and about on the roads of Bristol and its surrounds. Before cycling took over his professional life, he covered ecclesiastical matters at the world’s largest Anglican newspaper and politics at Business Insider. Don't ask how that is related to cycling.

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Tour de France: Mark Cavendish wins green jersey - but narrowly misses out on record 35 stage wins

The British racer had been aiming to set a new all-time record of 35 Tour stage wins but he just missed out on victory in the final leg in Paris as he banged his handlebars in frustration at the finish.

Sunday 18 July 2021 21:55, UK

British rider Mark Cavendish has won the green jersey for best sprinter at the Tour de France.

It is the second time in his career that he has triumphed in the points classification battle.

But after equalling Belgian TdF legend Eddy Merckx's mark of 34 Tour stage victories earlier this month, Cavendish was denied another piece of cycling history on the last day of competition.

He had been aiming to set a new all-time record of 35 wins but he just missed out in the final leg from Chatou to the Champs-Elysees in Paris as he got squeezed out on the run to the finish line.

He banged his handlebars in frustration as he came third in the mass sprint which was won by Belgian Wout van Aert, with Jasper Philipsen, also of Belgium, second.

Slovenian Tadej Pogacar claimed the yellow jersey with his second successive Tour title after Sunday's 21st and final stage.

The UAE Emirates rider also won the white jersey for the best Under-25 rider and the polka-dot jersey for the mountains classification after a dominant performance throughout.

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Cavendish, who last won the green jersey in 2011, on 9 July equalled Merckx's record - which had stood since 1975.

The Manx rider, 36, crossed the finish line in Carcassonne earlier this month to win stage 13. He also won stages four, six and 10 on the 2021 tour.

On Sunday, Cavendish was able to celebrate his green jersey with his family on the podium.

Speaking about the close finish in the French capital, he said: "I shouldn't have left (Michael) Morkov's wheel. I knew I was in a pretty dark situation, I knew I was boxed in."

He added: "It's a blessing just to be in this Tour de France, let alone here in Paris, so I'm really happy with that.

"It's been an emotional three weeks, there's a beautiful bond we've got with the riders, management and staff, and the success we've had these three weeks will live a long time in our memories."

It capped a remarkable turnabout in fortune for the rider, who had hinted last year that his career may be over after a run of poor form and illness.

In October, Cavendish suggested he may retire from cycling at the conclusion of the Gent-Wevelgem race in Belgium.

He said that race could be his final one, but signed for Deceuninck-Quick Step for the 2021 season and was drafted on to the team's Tour de France roster last month after an injury to his teammate and fellow sprinter Sam Bennett.

On Pogacar's success, five-time Tour champion Merckx said: "I see him as the new Cannibal."

Merckx, who won his first Tour in 1969 at the age of 23, earned that nickname due to his insatiable appetite for victory.

He added: "He is extremely strong. I see him winning several editions of the Tour in the years to come. If nothing happens to him, he can certainly win the Tour de France more than five times."

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Peter sagan celebrates green jersey record with tour de france stage win.

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Slovakian Peter Sagan won his 10th career Tour de France stage on the day he wore the green sprinter’s jersey for a record 89th time in Tour history.

Sagan, the three-time world road race champion, beat Italian Sonny Colbrelli to the uphill finish of stage five on Wednesday. It’s Sagan’s second stage win of this year’s Tour.

“It was a little bit lucky because Colbrelli was coming close again,” said Sagan, who also relegated Colbrelli to runner-up in stage two Sunday.

German Erik Zabel wore the green jersey as the top sprinter 88 times in the 1990s and 2000s as he won a record six points classifications, according to Gracenote . Sagan will match Zabel’s record six titles if he’s in green in Paris on July 29.

In the yellow jersey race, Belgian Greg Van Avermaet increased his overall standings lead from zero to two seconds by earning a time bonus with seven miles left on Wednesday.

But Van Avermaet, the Rio Olympic road race champion, mistimed his sprint, helping allow Sagan to win.

“I don’t know if he did it on purpose or if he wanted to drop everybody but I have to say thanks,” Sagan said.

After a move from Philippe Gilbert , Van Avermaet accelerated out of the final turn with 300 meters to go but couldn’t maintain his pace.

“I tried to win the stage, but it was pretty complicated,” Van Avermaet said. “Phil went early, and he’s still pretty close on GC (general classification) so I couldn’t let him go. I think I went too early in the sprint. I thought the corner was closer to the finish than it really was.”

Van Avermaet, the Rio Olympic road race champion, had been tied with BMC teammate Tejay van Garderen for the overall race lead, but van Garderen did not become the second (or sixth) American to wear the yellow jersey due to a tiebreaker .

Van Avermaet is expected to cede the lead in upcoming cobblestone or mountain stages. He hopes the man to take it is BMC team leader Richie Porte .

Porte and the rest of the overall contenders for the title finished in the same time with the peloton on Wednesday,

The Tour de France continues Thursday with stage six, live on NBCSN and NBC Sports Gold ( full broadcast schedule here ).

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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TOUR DE FRANCE: Standings | TV Schedule | Riders to Watch

Exactly What All the Tour de France Jersey Colors Mean

Learn what the yellow, green, polka dot, and white jerseys stand for, and how riders can win them.

The Tour de France looks so colorfully chaotic that it’s almost psychedelic when the peloton filled with bright, splashy jerseys whooshes by in the blink of an eye. All the pro cyclists racing the Tour wear their team jerseys, which are covered in the names of the team and all the sponsors, and are designed to be as bright, recognizable, and eye-catching as possible.

However, throughout the race, four cyclists are awarded different, special colored jerseys that are unique to the Tour de France . These colors include yellow ( maillot jaune ), green ( maillot vert ) , red polka dots ( maillot à pois rouges ), and white ( maillot blanc ).

Each one of these jerseys has its own meaning and importance. The rider wearing each of these jerseys can change at the end of every stage, and often does, with the special jersey changing hands before the next day’s stage begins.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what each Tour de France jersey color means and how a rider can win each one.

Yellow Tour de France Jersey

For most, the race’s fabled yellow jersey, or maillot jaune, stands above all else, as it designates the rider who leads the General Classification . After each stage, officials calculate who has the fastest time across the entire race and the jersey then goes to the overall leader. That rider wears it in the following stage.

Because it’s based on time and not points, the yellow doesn’t necessarily go to the given day’s stage winner, but rather the leader of the race overall.

Contenders for the yellow jersey—and, therefore, the overall Tour de France title—are well-rounded cyclists and smart tacticians with skills in both climbing and time trialling. They must also show enough strength to hold the pace of the peloton, especially as rival teams work together to drop the leader at every possible opportunity.

Past 5 Yellow Jersey Winners: ➡ 2023: Jonas Vingegaard (Team Jumbo–Visma) ➡ 2022: Jonas Vingegaard (Team Jumbo–Visma) ➡ 2021: Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) ➡ 2020: Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) ➡ 2019: Egan Bernal (Team Ineos)

Here's how the Tour’s yellow jersey gets made during the race:

Green Tour de France Jersey

While known as the “sprinter’s jersey,” the green jersey goes to the leader of the Points Classification . The amount of points given depends on the stage profile—whether it’s flat or mountainous, for example. Typically, the winners are the first 10 to 25 riders who cross a stage finish, because the most points are traditionally gained at the end of the flatter stages (where the sprinters shine).

Ultimately, the green goes to a well-rounded and consistent rider, as well as to those who show tremendous persistence, picking up points where they can.

Past 5 Green Jersey Winners: ➡ 2023: Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin Deceuninck) ➡ 2022: Wout van Aert (Team Jumbo-Visma) ➡ 2021: Mark Cavendish (Deceuninck-Quick Step) ➡ 2020: Sam Bennett (Deceuninck-Quick Step) ➡ 2019: Peter Sagan (BORA-hansgrohe)

Red Polka Dot Tour de France Jersey

The polka dot jersey goes to the leader of the Mountains Classification , otherwise known as King of the Mountains. Points in this contest are awarded to the first riders who reach the summit of designated climbs on each stage.

Tour de France climbs are ranked from category 1 (most difficult) to category 4 (least difficult). A fifth class, hors catégorie (“beyond category”), is reserved for the most challenging ascents. The amount of points awarded depends on the difficulty of each climb, though sometimes shorter or milder climbs will join a higher category if they come at the end of a stage.

Of course, the rider in polka dots must be a strong climber . Often, it goes to small, lightweight guys with very high power outputs . The KoM competition comes into its own once the race heads into the mountain stages, where most points are available.

Past 5 Polka Dot Jersey Winners: ➡ 2023: Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) ➡ 2022: Jonas Vingegaard (Team Jumbo–Visma) ➡ 2021: Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) ➡ 2020: Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) ➡ 2019: Egan Bernal (Team Ineos)

White Tour de France Jersey

The white jersey, or maillot blanc , goes to the General Classification leader who is 26 years old or younger (on January 1 in the given race year). Put simply, it goes to the best young rider with the lowest overall time. For young, ambitious all-rounders in the race, winning the white jersey is like winning yellow.

Past 5 White Jersey Winners: ➡ 2023: Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) ➡ 2022: Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) ➡ 2021: Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) ➡ 2020: Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) ➡ 2019: Egan Bernal (Team Ineos)

Other Tour de France Awards

Two other classifications exist that are not awarded with a special jersey: the Combativity Award and the Team Classification.

Although largely a token prize, Combativity Award winners still get a podium appearance when the race wraps up in Paris. After every stage, excluding time trials, a panel decides the day’s most aggressive rider. Not necessarily the stage winner, it could be someone who has consistently attacked, instigated a breakaway , or been a key player in the stage outcome.

This rider then wears a red race number (instead of black) in the following day’s stage. A Super Combativity Award is given on the final stage for the most aggressive rider throughout the entire Tour.

The Team Classification is based on the collective time of the three highest-placed riders in the General Classification from each team. The best team then wears its race numbers against a yellow background, rather than a conventional white background, and also has the option of wearing yellow helmets.

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Tour de France 2024: Girmay wins green jersey

Final Points classification 2024 Tour de France

1. Biniam Girmay 387 2. Jasper Philipsen 354 3. Bryan Coquard 208 4. Tadej Pogacar 196 5. Anthony Turgis 180 6. Arnaud De Lie 161 7. Remco Evenepoel 152 8. Wout van Aert 152 9. Jonas Abrahamsen 149 10. Jonas Vingegaard 136

Finish: 1. Tadej Pogacar 20 2. Jonas Vingegaard 17 3. Remco Evenepoel 15 4. Matteo Jorgenson 13 5. João Almeida 11 6. Derek Gee 10 7. Mikel Landa 9 8. Harold Tejada 8 9. Santiago Buitrago 7 10. Adam Yates 6 11. Lenny Martinez 5 12. Simon Yates 4 13. Victor Campenaerts 3 14. Quentin Pacher 2 15. Romain Grégoire 1

Tour de France 2024 stage 21: routes & profiles

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Tour de France stage 18 analysis: The green jersey finale

With one road stage left before Paris, Mark Cavendish almost has the green jersey won

As the intermediate sprint in Pouzac approached on stage 18 of the Tour de France , Mark Cavendish moved onto the wheel of Michael Matthews . The Australian’s BikeExchange team had already tried to distance the Manxman by upping the pace over the category 4 Côte de Loucrup six kilometres before, in a bid to gain as many points as they could over him in the green jersey competition, and it hadn’t worked. So when it came to the sprint itself, Cavendish first sat on Matthews’ wheel before switching to being led-out by the expert Michael Mørkøv as the line came into view. He won the mini-sprint to add another 11 points to his tally, while Matthews finished behind Mørkøv - to add insult to injury - to take eight. 

Stage 19 from Mourenx to Libourne is the last chance anyone has of realistically dislodging Cavendish from the lead in the points classification at this year’s Tour. With four stage wins to his name, Cavendish has held green since his first victory on stage 4 and goes into the last potential day for sprinters before Paris in three days’ time, with a lead of 298 over Matthews on 260. 

By making it through the last of the Pyrenean stages to Luz Ardidan, Cavendish has overcome the biggest hurdle standing in the way of him making it to Paris and the sprint on the Champs-Élysées. But if he wants to claim the green jersey for the second time he has to get through stage 19, and while on paper it looks to be a day for the sprinters, the race situation at this point might not make it that straightforward. 

There’s 50 points available on the line to whoever wins in Libourne, and Cavendish has a lead of 38 over Matthews, the latter who won green in 2018. If Matthews wins tomorrow and Cavendish finishes outside the top 15 riders the jersey would switch hands. Now, Cavendish has comfortably had the upper hand in the sprints throughout the Tour, and has beaten Matthews into fourth, ninth, fifth and 12th in each stage he’s won. He’s also beaten him in every intermediate sprint where he’s actually tried to sprint - for a large portion, Cavendish sat up and saved his energy. All signs suggest that if stage 19 goes the same way, then Cavendish is the overwhelming favourite to add another 50 points to his tally, or at least beat Matthews. 

Except, the only team who realistically will put the effort in to force a bunch sprint in Libourne is Cavendish’s Deceuninck-Quick Step. And while they’re the premier sprint force in the peloton, they can’t control the whole race alone. Stage 19 is also the last chance saloon on the road for every team that’s so far sitting empty handed. Teams such as Trek-Segafredo, Israel Start-Up Nation, Lotto Soudal, Cofidis, Arkéa Samsic, Groupama-FDJ, DSM, B&B Hotels, Qhubeka Nexthash, Intermarché Wanty Gobert have little to show from this year’s race in terms of major prizes, likewise Matthew’s BikeExchange squad, and so there will be an endless list of riders keen to prevent a sprint and force a breakaway to succeed. 

Lastly, there’s also the 207-kilometre route to consider. While it is predominantly flat with a few lumps at the end that shouldn’t cause too many problems, the only hiccup comes right at the start, after just 12 kilometres, in the form of a single category 4 climb. The Côte de Bareille is 1.9km long and averages just 5.9 per cent gradient but with a descent out of Mourenx to start which ramps straight up into the climb, it could be territory for a group to go clear if there’s enough impetus and Deceuninck can’t mark all the moves. 

The intermediate sprint at Saint-Sever comes after 54km and with another 20 points maximum on offer there, the worst, worst case scenario for Cavendish would be that Matthews gets away and takes points there and adds to it in the final sprint. 

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Matthews has been allowed to get up the road in breakaways on the middle mountain stages of the Tour so far to contest the intermediate sprints, yet with this the penultimate road stage chances are Deceunick will be stuck to his wheel like glue when the stage begins, keeping him on a tight leash. If the start is marked by chaos, however, Deceuninck could get caught on the back foot. 

Cavendish doesn't need to win any more stages to win green, but he does need to stop Matthews winning one at his expense. 

Sophie Hurcom is Procycling magazine's deputy editor. 

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Sophie Hurcom is Procycling ’s deputy editor. She joined the magazine in 2017, after working at Cycling Weekly where she started on work experience before becoming a sub editor, and then news and features writer. Prior to that, she graduated from City University London with a Masters degree in magazine journalism. Sophie has since reported from races all over the world, including multiple  Tours de France, where she was thrown in at the deep end by making her race debut in 2014 on the stage that Chris Froome crashed out on the Roubaix cobbles.

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