The Purpose of the Green Jersey

Celebrating Consistency and Versatility

The green jersey is designed to reward the rider who is the most consistent throughout the race, particularly in the flat and intermediate stages. Points are awarded based on stage finishes and intermediate sprints, which means that sprinters, breakaway specialists, and even GC contenders can compete for this jersey.

• Sprinters’ Battle: La Vuelta, unlike the Tour de France or Giro d’Italia, has fewer flat stages, which means sprinters must make the most of every opportunity to secure points. The race’s hilly terrain means that all-rounders often contest the green jersey as well, adding an element of unpredictability to the competition.

• Symbol of Consistency: The green jersey highlights riders who not only perform well in individual stages but also show resilience across different terrains. It rewards consistent stage placings, making it a jersey that celebrates versatility as well as sprinting ability.

How the Points System Works

Points Allocation

Points are awarded at the finish line of each stage, with the number of points varying based on the type of stage. Additionally, intermediate sprints during each stage offer more points, providing opportunities for riders to collect points even if they don’t win the stage.

• Flat Stages: Flat or sprinter-friendly stages offer the most points. For example, the winner of a flat stage typically receives 50 points, while subsequent finishers receive fewer points on a sliding scale (e.g., second place gets 30 points, third place 20 points, and so on).

• Hilly and Mountain Stages: On hillier stages, fewer points are awarded at the finish. For instance, the winner might receive 25 points, reflecting the fact that these stages are less likely to end in bunch sprints.

• Time Trials: Individual time trials also award points, although the points available are typically lower compared to flat stages.

• Intermediate Sprints: Each stage also includes designated intermediate sprint points, where riders can earn additional points. These sprints occur mid-stage, adding a tactical element for sprinters who may not be targeting the stage win but still want to collect valuable points.

Points Breakdown Example

• Flat Stage:

  • 1st Place: 50 points

  • 2nd Place: 30 points

  • 3rd Place: 20 points

  • And so on, with points awarded to riders finishing up to 15th place.

• Mountain Stage:

  • 1st Place: 25 points

  • 2nd Place: 20 points

  • 3rd Place: 16 points

  • Points are awarded to the top 10 finishers, with fewer points than on flat stages.

• Intermediate Sprints: Points can range from 4 to 6 for the first rider to cross the line during these sprints, which are strategically placed throughout the stages.

Tactics for Winning the Green Jersey

Sprint Strategy

Sprinters targeting the green jersey must maximize their opportunities on flat stages, where the most points are available. Teams will often form lead-out trains to position their sprinter perfectly for the final dash to the line, ensuring they have the best chance of winning or finishing high up the order.

• Lead-Out Trains: Teams with strong sprinting contenders form lead-out trains, where teammates set a high pace in the final kilometers to position their sprinter perfectly for the finish. A well-executed lead-out can mean the difference between winning and losing a sprint.

• Intermediate Sprints: Sprinting teams also contest intermediate sprints, especially on stages where a stage win might not be possible. Accumulating points at intermediate sprints can be crucial, especially in La Vuelta, where the number of pure sprint stages is limited.

Versatile Riders and Breakaways

Given La Vuelta’s challenging terrain, the points classification can also favor more versatile riders who can handle different types of stages, including hilly and mountainous ones.

• All-Rounder Advantage: All-rounders who perform well in medium mountain stages or even win a mountain stage can accumulate points, especially if sprinters drop out of contention on tough climbs. Riders who can survive the climbs and sprint for points afterward often thrive in La Vuelta’s points classification.

• Breakaways: Riders who frequently get into breakaways can target intermediate sprints or stage wins to collect points. Since some stages are less likely to end in bunch sprints, riders in breakaways often have a better chance of scoring significant points in these situations.

Defending the Jersey

Once a rider takes the green jersey, defending it becomes a matter of consistently finishing in the top positions during sprints and targeting intermediate sprints. Teams will work hard to control the race, ensuring their rider stays in contention for points in every stage where they are competitive.

Memorable Green Jersey Winners

1. Primož Roglič (2021)

Primož Roglič, primarily a general classification contender, won the green jersey in 2021, highlighting how versatile riders can dominate the points classification in La Vuelta. Roglič’s ability to perform well in both flat and mountainous stages, combined with his sprinting ability, allowed him to consistently accumulate points throughout the race.

2. Fabio Jakobsen (2021)

After recovering from a life-threatening crash, Fabio Jakobsen made a triumphant return in 2021, winning the green jersey thanks to his powerful sprinting abilities. He dominated the flat stages, securing several stage wins and consistently finishing near the front in sprint stages to collect the necessary points.

3. Alejandro Valverde (2018)

In 2018, Alejandro Valverde showed his all-around skill by winning the green jersey. Known for his versatility, Valverde consistently finished high in both hilly and flat stages, using his experience and sprinting ability to edge out the competition in the points classification.

Conclusion

The Green Jersey (Maillot Verde) in La Vuelta a España is a prestigious prize that rewards consistency, versatility, and tactical acumen. Whether it’s sprinters targeting flat stage finishes or all-rounders racking up points in intermediate sprints, the battle for the green jersey adds an exciting dimension to La Vuelta. With each edition, new riders emerge to claim this coveted prize, adding to the rich history of La Vuelta’s points classification.