What does the white jersey mean in the Tour de France? The white jersey (maillot blanc) symbolizes the future and honors the youth. The jersey is awarded to the highest-ranked cyclist in the overall standings who is under the age of 26.

The white jersey is awarded to the highest placed rider who was 24 or younger on the first day of the year. The jersey was introduced in 1975, before a 10-year hiatus in the 90s, but returned in the 21st century and has been won by Alberto Contador, Nairo Quintana, and both the British Yates twins, Simon and Adam.

Numerous cycling stage races award a white jersey to signify the current leader and overall winner of a certain competition, or to signify the best young rider in the race. The most prominent of these is the Tour de France, where the jersey is known as the maillot blanc and is awarded to the best-placed rider age under 26.