Vuelta a España Jerseys explained
Learn more about the four jerseys of the Vuelta a España: overall, points, mountains and young rider classifications.
Where there’s a race, there’s a winner. The overall winner, known as the leader of the general classification, is the rider who completes the race fastest. However, there are also points, mountains and young rider competitions to be won. Each of these classifications has a jersey.
The jerseys of the Vuelta a España are very similar to those in the other two Grand Tours — the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France.
Beginning in August, the final Grand Tour takes riders around some of the most picturesque and brutal parts of Spain. After the finish line in the Spanish capital Madrid, the jerseys are awarded to the leaders of the individual competitions as well as the overall winner.
Read more about La Vuelta a Espana: Route, Stages and TV
What are the jerseys in the Vuelta?
The Vuelta a España has four jerseys that adorn the shoulders of the leaders in each of the competitions.
- Red jersey
- Green jersey
- Polka dot jersey
- White jersey
Now you know the colours, let's take a look at their meaning and previous winners.
What is the red jersey in La Vuelta?
The red jersey is the leader's jersey. This jersey is worn by the rider who has completed all stages the fastest. They are also known as leader of the overall (general) classification.
A previous winner of the red jersey include Nairo Quintana in 2016 for Movistar Team.
What is the green jersey in La Vuelta?
The green jersey is the points jersey. Typically won by sprinters, this jersey is awarded to the rider who has the most sprinting points at the end of the race.
Alejandro Valverde won the green jersey in 2018. As the final race of his career, we suspect he'll want to contest this victory once more.
What is the polka dot jersey in La Vuelta?
The polka dot jersey is the mountains jersey. The first rider to cross designated mountains is awarded the most points. Over the course of the race, the winner of the mountains classification is the rider with the most mountain points. The jersey is white with blue dots.
No Canyon riders have previously won the polka dot jersey, but with strong climbing teams across Movistar, Arkea-Samsic and Alpecin-Deceuninck, we think this could change.
What is the white jersey in La Vuelta?
The white jersey was formerly worn by the rider leading the combination classification (best all-rounder). This jersey is now worn by the best young rider. Since 2019, the winner of the white jersey is the highest placed rider in the general classification who is under the age of 26.
When the white jersey was the combination classification, Joaquim Rodriguez and Nairo Quintana both won it in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
Enric Mas won the young rider classification in 2020 with Movistar Team. He will not be eligible for this jersey in 2022, but look out for him targeting the red jersey for overall victory.
Support your favourite riders during La Vuelta 2022
With three Canyon teams lining up in the Netherlands for the opening stages of the Vuelta a Espana, it's time to cheer from the sidelines.
Shop our range of team kit from Alpecin-Deceuninck to show your support. Keep your eyes on our social channels for updates throughout the race.
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