The polka dot jersey (French: maillot à pois rouge) is awarded for the best climber during the mountain stages of the Tour de France cycle race. The "King of the Mountains" wears a white jersey with red dots. A climbing specialist is a road bicycle racer who can ride especially well on highly inclined roads, like on hills or mountains. ... This article is about the cycle race. ...

At the top of each climb in the Tour, there are points for the riders who are first over the top. The climbs are divided into categories from 1 (most difficult) to 4 (least difficult) based on their difficulty, measured as a function of their steepness and length. A fifth category, called Hors catégorie (outside category) is formed by mountains even more difficult than those of the first category. In 2004, the scoring system was changed such that the first rider over a fourth category climb was awarded 3 points while the first to complete a hors category climb would win 20 points. Further points over a fourth category climb are only for the top three places while on a hors category climb the top ten riders are rewarded. Additionally beginning in 2004, points scored on the final climb of the day were doubled if said climb was at least a second category climb. 2004 is a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Although the best climber was first recognised in 1933, the distinctive jersey was not introduced until 1975. The colours were decided by the then sponsor, Poulain Chocolate, to match a popular product. 1933 was a common year starting on Sunday (link will take you to calendar). ... 1975 was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1975 calendar). ...

Two riders have won the "King of the Mountains" six times: Federico Bahamontes (Spain) in 1954, 1958, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1964; and Lucien Van Impe (Belgium) in 1971, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1983. Richard Virenque (France) won his record-breaking seventh title in 2004 (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2004). Federico Martin Bahamontes is a profesisonal cyclist born on July 9, 1928 in Santo Domingo. ... Lucien Van Impe (born 20 October 1946 in Mere, Belgium) was a Flemish cyclist from 1969 to 1987. ... Richard Virenque (born 19 November 1969) is a French cyclist, born in Casablanca, Morocco. ...

The Tour's jersey colours have also been adopted by other cycling stage races; for example, the Tour of Britain also has a polka dot jersey. A criterium in Burlington, Vermont, April 2004 Road bicycle racing is a popular sport all over the world, especially in Europe. ... An evolution from a number of previous professional road races based in Britain, the Tour of Britain took place for the first time over five days in early September 2004. ...

See also

Climbing specialist A climbing specialist is a road bicycle racer who can ride especially well on highly inclined roads, like on hills or mountains. ...