Cycling: The color of the Tour de France is yellow. But in addition to the yellow jersey, there are other prestigious jerseys up for grabs. We take a look at the favorites in the battle for the points classification, the mountains classification and the junior classification.
 |
 |
Green jersey (scoring)
Traditionally, the green jersey of the Tour de France goes to a sprinter. Therefore, the rating is often incorrectly referred to as a sprint rating instead of a points rating. Also in 2022 a fast man will be allowed to slip over the Maillot Vert in Paris, but for the first time his name is Wout van Aert. The Belgian has announced that he wants to compete for the points classification this year. If he takes it seriously, he will win the jersey. After all, Wout van Aert can not only score on the flat, but also uphill, in the time trial and on the cobblestone stage. The fans are looking forward to a duel with Peter Sagan. However, since the Slovak is no longer in top form, the fight could quickly be decided. Only a pure sprinter could then interfere. However, he would then have to easily win three or four flat stages. Fabio Jakobsen and Caleb Ewan in particular would probably be suitable for this. But we should not underestimate the two nimble men from Alpecin – Deceuninck.
☆☆☆ Wout van Aert (Jumbo – Visma)
☆☆ Fabio Jakobsen (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl), Peter Sagan (TotalEnergies)
☆ Caleb Ewan (Lotto - Soudal), Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin - Deceuninck), Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin - Deceuninck)
 |
 |
Dotted jersey (mountain classification)
Ever since Richard Virenque retired, it has been difficult to predict who would win the mountain jersey – and that was back in 2004, after all. Rarely do riders start the three-week tour with the intention of winning the polka dot jersey. So in the last two years it automatically happened that overall winner Tadej Pogacar also won the mountains classification. This is also the most likely scenario for 2022. We also have a few French on the list. For example, it cannot be assumed that Thibaut Pinot and Romain Bardet will be able to compete for overall victory. But they will definitely be eyeing up stage wins in the mountains – and then the mountain jersey is sometimes closer than you think. The same applies to Nairo Quintana, who will no longer aim for the podium, but just successes of the day. Ruben Guerreiro and Michael Storer could really concentrate on that professionally right from the start. This would also be desirable for Lennard Kämna, but the team tactics probably envisage other tasks for him.
☆☆☆ Tadej Pogacar (UAE)
☆☆ Thibaut Pinot (Groupama – FDJ), Romain Bardet (DSM)
☆ Ruben Guerreiro (EF Education First - EasyPost), Nairo Quintana (Arkea - Samsic), Michael Storer (Groupama - FDJ)
 |
 |
White jersey (youth ranking)
Pogacar, Pogacar, Pogacar. The Tour de France may not be a one-man show, but the Slovenian has really racked up some rankings over the past two years. There were hardly any other jersey wearers next to him on the podium in Paris, because he was able to win most of them himself. He will also take the white jersey home with him in 2022, even if he is likely to wear yellow most of the time. His biggest competitor comes from Norway for the first time and is also a huge talent. Andreas Leknessund may need another year or two to really be at the top level, but he could be fighting for a good placement as early as the 2022 Tour de France. The same goes for Michael Storer. The Australian made his breakthrough at the last Vuelta when he won two stages and the mountain jersey. The only question is whether he will go for the overall standings in the Tour of France or rather for stage wins and the mountain jersey. Beyond that, the air is getting thin. Tom Pidock will need to help out at Ineos Grenadiers, as will Brandon McNulty at UAE. A hot contender for the white jersey - at least behind Tadej Pogacar - could be Matteo Jorgenson. The American has shown his skills several times, but still has to prove it for over three weeks.
☆☆☆ Tadej Pogacar (UAE)
☆☆ Andreas Leknessund (DSM), Michael Storer (Groupama – FDJ)
☆ Matteo Jorgenson (Movistar), Brandon McNulty (UAE), Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers)