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USA Pro Challenge: More than a uniform, jerseys tell a story

Joel Reichenberger
Levi Leipheimer celebrates winning the yellow jersey during the 2011 USA Pro Challenge stop in Steamboat Springs.
Joel Reichenberger

— A uniform can be more than a uniform in cycling and from the first day of this year’s USA Pro Challenge, riders will be competing for jerseys that signify their standings in the race.

Yellow — Overall leader — The cyclist with the lowest “general classification” or “GC” time wears the yellow jersey. No one will wear it for Stage 1, but whoever wins that stage will be presented the jersey after in the post-race awards ceremony, then start Tuesday’s stage with it.

Green — Sprinter — The green jersey goes to the rider who accumulates the most sprint points. Points — in descending values — are given to riders for finishing in the top 15 of a stage. They’re also given for the first riders across sprint points, which will be at different locations during various race stages. In addition to the yellow jersey, Monday’s Stage 1 winner will also likely earn the green jersey, though the second-place rider will wear it during Stage 2.



Red — King of the Mountain — The jersey, awarded to the best climber, is traditionally polka dots, and this year’s jersey does have a few, but red dominates. Cyclists pick up KOM points at various checkpoints along the route. There will be two checkpoints near Oak Creek during Stage 1, then two more, including one on top of Rabbit Ears Pass, on Stage 2.

Blue — Best Young Rider — The blue jersey is awarded to rider, under 23 years old, who has the lowest GC time.



Orange — Most Aggressive Rider — The orang jersey will be awarded to the rider who best “tackles the challenges of the day” and who “best asserts himself in the peloton.”

Blue and yellow — Colorado Rider — The rider with the lowest GC time and hailing from Colorado will be awarded the Colorado Rider jersey.


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