“Fortunately for serious cycling fans and anyone else who might want to follow the event, Tour de France jerseys come in colors other than the yellow one worn by the overall leader. See slideshow of some of this year's top green-jersey contenders This year, the more interesting race could be the one for the green jersey, which is worn by the rider who performs best in the flat, fast sections of the course designated for sprinters. While the yellow jersey attracts all the attention, the sprinters are the maniacs who risk their lives in chaotic, 45-mph scrambles to the finish that often looks like a cross between horse racing and rugby. Unlike the race for the overall title, which is nearly always decided before the final stage, the race for the green often comes down to a last few meters at the finish line in Paris. And it's been especially competitive of late: Since 2001, the sprinter's title has been decided by an average of 25 points, the smallest margin in any seven-year period in the race's history and far below the historical average of 65 points for all tours since 1959. This year's field of sprinters is one of the most talented ever. It includes four green-jersey winners and some of the sport's most recognizable stars in Australia's Robbie McEwen, Germany's Erik Zabel and Norway's Thor Hushovd. The tour has raised to 10 the number of "flat" stages where the sprinters dominate. ”
