The Tour de Suisse is an annual road cycling stage race held in Switzerland. The event is held over eight days covering two weekends in June.
Since 2011 the event is part of the UCI World Tour, cycling’s highest level of professional races. Riders take the opportunity to build a momentum ahead of Tour de France.
The best riders at Tour de Suisse are recognised through different colours of jerseys. There are four types of jerseys that awarded to riders for different sets of skills. They are classified on the basis of points, terrain, speed and emerging talent.
Here are the different kinds of jerseys based on colours and their significance at Tour de Suisse:
Yellow Jersey
The yellow jersey is the most valued prize of the Tour de Suisse. It is awarded to the rider with the best overall time across all stages. In other words, it goes to the General Classification (GC) leader.
The colour symbolises more than just speed. It signifies endurance, tactical brilliance, and consistency. The rider has to perform across all stages, climbs and tarrians.
Red Jersey
Red jersey is awarded to the rider who collects the most points on designated mountain stages. The stage is characterised by mountainous landscape and riders receive special recognition for having conquered it. The colour stands for stamina that the riders showcase on the high altitude of Alps.
Also Read: Tour de France Jerseys: Colours And Significance
Black Jersey
Black jersey represents speed. It is awarded to the best sprinter in the race. This jersey goes to the rider who consistently finishes stages at the front and performs best in intermediate sprint sections.
White Jersey
The white jersey is worn by the upcoming star. It is given to the best young rider (under 25 years of age).
This jersey gives hints at the potential future star. The recognises upcoming talent with many past winners of this jersey having gone on to win the overall title.
