Cycling Mountain Classification
Oct/100
How does someone win the different road cycling classifications?
I understand that the overall yellow jersey is won by the person with the lowest overall time but how does one win either the king of the mountain or sprinters classifications?
Additionally, if Lance Armstrong used to be so dominant in his climbing skills, did he ever win king of the mountain?
The King of the Mountain (Polka Dot Jersey) and the sprinters (Green Jersey) are both based on points.
During each stage there are various checkpoints in the race where points are awarded to the first rider passing this point. In the sprints it’s usually 6 for 1st, 4 for 2nd & 2 for 3rd. Additionally, points are awarded for the first rider crossing the finish. Usually 35 for 1st place.
In the mountains, points are awarded to the first rider across the summit of each climb. More points are awarded for a more difficult climb. And points are doubled for a mountain-top finish.
And no, Lance has never won the Polka Dot Jersey.
(Side note) Eddy Merckx is the only rider to have won all 3 jerseys in his career. And he won all 3 in 1969!
Rit/stage 18 Tour de France 2007 Cahors – Angoulême