Combination classification in the Tour de France

Combination jersey

Award details
Sport	Road Cycling
Competition	Tour de France
Given for	Winner combination classification
Local name(s)	Performance (French)
History
First award	1968
Editions	15
Final award	1989
First winner	Franco Bitossi (ITA)
Most wins	Eddy Merckx (BEL) 5 times
Most recent	Steven Rooks (NED)

The combination jersey (also known as the multi-coloured jersey or technicolour jersey) is the jersey in the Tour de France that was worn by the leader of the combination classification.

History

In 1968 the combination classification was introduced in the Tour de France, although at that time it was awarded with a white jersey. The jersey was awarded to the cyclists that did best in all other classifications, the yellow jersey, green jersey and polka dot jersey. It was seen as the jersey for the all-round cyclist. Only cyclists ranking in each of the three other classifications were ranked in the Combination classification. Ranking was established by adding the cyslists' ranks in the three other classifications: 1 point for rank 1, 2 points for rank 2 and so on. Cyclists being at level on ranks for one of the other classifications were added the average of the corresponding points (e.g. 2 cyclists being level at rank 3 where counting (3+4)/2 = 3.5 points). Finally, the lower the sum the better the Combination classification ranking.

From 1975 on, the white jersey was given to the best young cyclist, and the combination classification temporarily disappeared. In 1980, the combination classification was reintroduced, sponsored by French TV-station TF1, therefore officially named Grand Prix TF1. This lasted until 1982, when the combination classification disappeared again. In 1985, the combination classification was again reintroduced, and this time the combination jersey was used. Since 1989, the combination jersey has not been awarded, because the new director Jean-Marie Leblanc wanted to modernise the Tour.

Winners of the combination jersey

• 1968:  Franco Bitossi (ITA)
• 1969:  Eddy Merckx (BEL)
• 1970:  Eddy Merckx (BEL)
• 1971:  Eddy Merckx (BEL)
• 1972:  Eddy Merckx (BEL)
• 1973:  Joop Zoetemelk (NED)
• 1974:  Eddy Merckx (BEL)
• 1980:  Ludo Peeters (BEL) (Grand Prix TF 1)
• 1981:  Bernard Hinault (FRA) (Grand Prix TF 1)
• 1982:  Bernard Hinault (FRA) (Grand Prix TF 1)
• 1985:  Greg LeMond (USA)
• 1986:  Greg LeMond (USA)
• 1987:  Jean-François Bernard (FRA)
• 1988:  Steven Rooks (NED)
• 1989:  Steven Rooks (NED)

External links

• Information about defunct jerseys