The points classification rewards the most consistent sprinter of the Tour and often the best sprinter. Points are awarded according to the stage classification. When a stage is considered “without particular difficulty”, the winner gets 50 points. When it is a stage with a “hilly course”, the winner pockets 30 points and for stages of “great difficulty”, 20 points.
Added to this are the intermediate sprints, which earn up to 20 points to the person who takes the lead. In the event of a tie at the finish, the riders are decided by their number of stage victories.
Jasper Philipsen, the big favorite
The 2023 green jersey seems to be best placed in his own succession for this 2024 Tour. Winner this season of Milan-San Remo and Bruges – De Panne, he will have a solid team at his side at his service. He will count in particular on the support of world champion Mathieu Van der Poel, who has already proven his talents as a pilot fish in the 2023 edition.
While he probably can’t pick up points on hilly or mountainous terrain, he is undeniably the favourite for the bunch sprints, which could earn him a second green jersey.
Another Belgian will perhaps be Philipsen’s main opponent. Arnaud de Lie, in his first Grand Tour, is one of the headliners of the sprinters and could be a serious candidate.
The very recent Belgian champion, who just beat Philipsen, will have to prove himself over three weeks. But he will undoubtedly be one of the favourites for the mass arrivals, and will be able to take points on the slightly more punchy arrivals.
While Denmark’s Mads Pedersen may not be the fastest on flat sprints, his versatility puts him among the contenders for the green jersey. Indeed, he will be able to pick up points on hilly stages and intermediate sprints.
In addition, Pedersen was able to reassure himself about his form by winning the first stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné. He will be able to be at ease on more profiles than his competitors, and if he makes this jersey an objective, he may be able to play for the win.
Les outsiders
If the battle for the green jersey seems to be between these three names, we should not rule out other riders who could join the fight. Starting with the Irishman Sam Bennett, who is returning to the Tour after his last participation in 2020, where he won the green jersey. He has four victories this year, all won on the 4 Days of Dunkirk.
Dylan Groenewegen, recent Dutch champion, will also be one to watch for the mass sprints and could be a candidate for the points classification. Wout van Aert can also be mentioned, although his fitness and exact role still remain unknown. It is likely that he is content with a teammate role for his leader Jonas Vingegaard.
Finally, other sprinters who have had a complicated start to the season such as Fabio Jakobsen (Team DSM-firmenich PostNL), Arnaud Démare (Arkéa-B & B Hotels) or Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty), are also among the outsiders.
