- Points classification
The points classification is an award category in
road bicycle racing that recognizes the most consistent finisher in astage race . The points classification is the top prize for manycycling sprinter s and therefore is often known as the Sprint Classification; however, some stage races these classifications are based on different criteria. Points can be won by winning or finishing in a high place at the end of the race, as well as winning sprints at certain places along the route, often known as "intermediate sprints.The points classification is arguably the second most important title and
cycling jersey to win at a cycling stage race behind theGeneral classification , which is the winner of the event by overall time.Points Classification Winners of the Grand Tours
Career triples
Winning the points classification in each of the three Grand Tours during a cyclist's career is a significant accomplishment. The Tour/Giro/Vuelta triple has been achieved by three riders:
*
Eddy Merckx - (1973 by winning the 1973 Vuelta points jersey preceded by the 1969 Tour and the 1968 Giro; he also won the 1971 and 1972 Tour points jerseys)*
Djamolidine Abdoujaparov - (1994 by winning the 1994 Giro points jersey preceded by the 1993 Tour and 1992 Vuelta; he also won the 1994 Tour points jersey)*
Laurent Jalabert - (1999 by winning the 1999 Giro preceded by the 1994 Vuelta and the 1992 Tour; he also won the 1995-1997 Vuelta and 1995 Tour points jerseys)Natural doubles
Winning the points classification in two Grand Tours in a single year is a rare feat.
The Tour/Giro double has been achieved by one rider:
*Djamolidine Abdoujaparov (1994)The Giro/Vuelta double has been achieved by one rider:
*Eddy Merckx (1973)The Tour/Vuelta double has also been achieved by four riders:
*Rudi Altig (1962)
* Jan Janssen (1967)
* Seán Kelly (1985)
*Laurent Jalabert (1995)Most Points Jerseys (Grand Tours)
*9: Erik Zabel - GER
** Tour de France (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001)
** Vuelta a España (2002, 2003, 2004)*8: Seán Kelly - IRL
** Tour de France (1982, 1983, 1985, 1989)
** Vuelta a España (1980, 1985, 1986, 1988)*7: Laurent Jalabert - FRA
** Tour de France (1992, 1995)
** Giro d'Italia (1999)
** Vuelta a España (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997)Winners by year
* bold-face type denotes rider won the
General classification , as well.
* "italic-face type" denotes rider won theMountains classification , as well.
* "italic and bold-face type" denotes rider won the overall, points and mountains classifications.See also
*
Cycling sprinter
*Maillot vert - (Tour de France points classification jersey)
*Maglia ciclamino - (Giro d'Italia points classification jersey)
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