Maillot jaune in france

A great topic!

In France, the "maillot jaune" (pronounced "may-yoh jaun") is a iconic symbol of the Tour de France, the most famous and prestigious cycling race in the world. The term literally means "yellow shirt" in French.

The maillot jaune is worn by the leader of the general classification of the Tour de France, which is the overall standings of the race. The rider who holds the lowest cumulative time at the end of each stage is awarded the yellow jersey, and they wear it until they are overtaken by another rider.

The tradition of wearing a yellow jersey to signify the leader of the Tour de France dates back to 1919, when the race was first organized. The yellow jersey was chosen because it is a bright and cheerful color that is easily visible, making it a fitting symbol of the excitement and drama of the race.

Wearing the maillot jaune is considered a great honor for a cyclist, as it is a sign of their dominance and leadership in the race. Many famous cyclists have worn the yellow jersey during their careers, including legendary riders like Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Lance Armstrong.

In France, the maillot jaune is a beloved and iconic symbol of the Tour de France, and it is closely followed by millions of fans around the world.