<P> 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 . The use of the white jersey to recognize the best young rider in a race is its most common use, though some tours award a white jersey for a different classification . </P> <P> Other stage races, besides the Tour de France, that also award a white jersey for the best young rider include: </P>

Who wears the white jersey in the tour de france