*Best climber classification: double points for the final climb
*Since the 2004 edition of the Tour de France, the competition for the Red Polka Dot Jersey includes a detail that adds a certain amount of spice to the race: for the final climb on a stage's profile, the points are doubled for Category 1, Category 2 and Top Category climbs. So the riders who lead this classification are undoubtedly the most courageous ones and the prize goes to those who remain out in front in this classification for the longest period of time.
*Helmets must be worn at all times: All riders must wear a helmet for the entire duration of each stage and on each stage.
*Falls in the last three kilometres: As has been the case since 2005, riders involved in a fall in the last three kilometres of a stage are given the same finishing time as the group which they belonged to. This rule is not applicable in time-trial stages and stages that finish at the summit of a climb.
*The return of the prologue: The last prologue that took place on the Tour de France dates back to the 2007 edition. Fabian Cancellara got his hands on that year's first Yellow Jersey by winning on a majestic route through the streets of London. Since then, the 2008 kicked off in Brittany with a flat stage between Brest and Plumelec, whilst in 2009, a 15.5 km individual time-trial was drawn up around Monaco. In Rotterdam, the distance of 8.9 km means the route falls within the regulatory definition of a prologue. As such, in the case of a fall or racing incident, riders who do not complete the day's stage escape from disqualification.
*Since the 2004 edition of the Tour de France, the competition for the Red Polka Dot Jersey includes a detail that adds a certain amount of spice to the race: for the final climb on a stage's profile, the points are doubled for Category 1, Category 2 and Top Category climbs. So the riders who lead this classification are undoubtedly the most courageous ones and the prize goes to those who remain out in front in this classification for the longest period of time.
*Helmets must be worn at all times: All riders must wear a helmet for the entire duration of each stage and on each stage.
*Falls in the last three kilometres: As has been the case since 2005, riders involved in a fall in the last three kilometres of a stage are given the same finishing time as the group which they belonged to. This rule is not applicable in time-trial stages and stages that finish at the summit of a climb.
*The return of the prologue: The last prologue that took place on the Tour de France dates back to the 2007 edition. Fabian Cancellara got his hands on that year's first Yellow Jersey by winning on a majestic route through the streets of London. Since then, the 2008 kicked off in Brittany with a flat stage between Brest and Plumelec, whilst in 2009, a 15.5 km individual time-trial was drawn up around Monaco. In Rotterdam, the distance of 8.9 km means the route falls within the regulatory definition of a prologue. As such, in the case of a fall or racing incident, riders who do not complete the day's stage escape from disqualification.
