The King of the Mountains is a prestigious competition within a stage race for the best climber. Riders earn points by being among the first to reach the top of designated hills and mountains. The more difficult the climb, the more points are awarded to the athletes who summit first. The leader of this competition wears a special jersey, which is famously white with red polka dots in the Tour de France. For example, a specialist climber will join a breakaway group specifically to collect mountain points throughout the day. This competition celebrates the riders who can defy gravity on the steepest slopes of the world. I believe the polka dot jersey is the most iconic and recognizable prize in the entire sport of cycling. It requires a rider to be aggressive and consistent over many different mountain passes during the race. Fans love the climbers because they often show the most visible signs of suffering on the road. The final winner is crowned after the last mountain stage is completed at the end of the tour. It is a symbol of incredible endurance and climbing prowess.
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