THE MAILLOT JAUNE
CLOAK OF POWER
There’s a strong case for current Tour de France maillot jaune, Chris Froome, to be included on this list but isn’t it the jersey itself that holds the real influence, rather than whoever happens to be in it?
During Lance Armstrong’s 1999-2005 Tour stranglehold it was often difficult to separate the aura of the jersey from the force of his personality but in the years since we’ve seen the power of yellow transfer more readily between wearers during the race and especially between reigning champions. Froome has been in huge demand since last July. His opinion on the big issues is sought, making him the sport’s current unofficial spokesman. He commanded the biggest fees at the post-Tour criteriums and held a large degree of sway within the peloton during the Tour. We’re sure Froome will always have something interesting to say. But lose the jersey, lose the influence.