Young Rider Classification

The young rider classification is a secondary competition of the Tour de France, started in 1975, awarded to the eligible rider with the best time in the general classification; its leader wears the white jersey (maillot blanc), except in the years 1989 to 1999 when no jersey was given. The eligibility rules have changed over the years but have always excluded experienced riders, whether by age, by previous Tour starts or by years as a professional; in recent years only riders who stay under 26 in the year of the race qualify. From 1968 to 1975 a white jersey had marked the leader of the combination classification; in 1975 that was replaced by the young rider competition, first contested by neo-professionals and first won by Francesco Moser. In the Tour de France Femmes the white jersey goes to the best-placed rider under 23.