Cheltenham will be flooded with colour on Saturday 9th September when 120 cyclists flow through the town, but what will all of those sported colours mean? Some will represent patriotism, others commercial backing, but four will have triumphant symbolisms about them. Find out more about the jerseys below:
The OVO Energy Green Jersey
The main prize, what every rider taking part wants. The Green Jersey, donning Tour sponsor OVO energy, is worn by the overall leader of the Tour. Recent winners include Steve Cummins and Sir Bradley Wiggins.
The Wiggle Points Jersey
Tour of Britain’s black and orange equivalent of Tour de France’s green jersey. The online cycling retailer-backed top is worn by the rider who has gained the most points from finishing within the first 15 places, with finishers being awarded points on a 15 down to 1 basis in each stage. Recent winners include Dylan Groenewegen and Owain Doull.
The SKODA King of the Mountains Jersey
Sponsored by the Czech automobile manufacturer, the black and white jersey is worn by the rider who best masters the designated mountain climbs; riders are awarded points for crossing summits, which have 3 different levels of difficulty, first, with the rider holding the most points wearing the jersey. Winners include Xandro Meurisse and Peter Williams.
The Eisberg Sprints Jersey
The red, white and blue top, recently won by the likes of Jasper Bovenhuis and Angel Madrazo, is awarded to the rider with the most points gained from sprints. Each road stage has three intermediate sprints, where points toward the jersey are gained by riders. Interestingly, the jersey is sponsored by and sports, alcohol free wine brand Eisberg.
For more information on the jerseys and what they mean, visit the Tour of Britain website: http://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/about/jerseys/