The yellow jersey (maillot jaune) was introduced to Tour de France 1919, becoming one of the most iconic symbols in sports history. Its introduction was a turning point for the race, improving visibility, increasing media interest, and solidifying the Tour’s competitive structure.
Before 1919, the leader of the general classification was not easily recognizable. Spectators and journalists had difficulty identifying the race leader in the large peloton. Henri Desgrange, the Tour’s organizer and editor of L’Auto, decided to introduce a distinctive jersey for the race leader. The color yellow was chosen because it matched the paper’s pages, reinforcing its sponsorship.
The first rider to wear the maillot jaune was Eugène Christophe on July 19, 1919, in Grenoble. However, reactions were mixed—some competitors mocked Christophe, and he himself was unsure about standing out. Despite this, the jersey quickly gained prestige, and by the following years, it became the ultimate symbol of cycling excellence.
Since its introduction, the maillot jaune has been worn by cycling legends like Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Induráin, and Tadej Pogačar. Winning or even wearing the yellow jersey remains one of the highest honors in cycling.
Read more:
Eugène Cristophe, the unluckiest cyclist ever >>
More Tour de France milestones: