Should stage races have a masters classification/jersey?

[geisterhome]

With masters competitions gaining in popularity I feel its long overdue that at least some stage races (are there any that Im not aware of?) start introducing some kind of classification for the older pros in the peloton.
At the same time top riders are getting younger and the leader of the young riders classification often wearing the actual leaders jersey I feel a classicfication for riders over e.g. 35 could spice things up a little. And dont we all like if riders that we have been following for a decade or longer through their lengthy careers get the chance to gain some spotlight one more time as their performance might be declining.
Maybe it could also motivate some guys to hang on a little longer, teams could have an incentive to sign older riders, jersey sponsors could generate money, the list goes on...

 

[Red Rick]

No.

Just replace white with something that adds to the race.

 

[Koronin]

No

If they are still racing over 35 either they are domestiques and are still preforming the same duties they always did or they are still capable of winning races.

 

[tobydawq]

Of course not.

 

[Kaptain Kool]

What about a Peak Age jersey for best rider aged 28 to 32?

 

[tobydawq]

Or a Prime Age jersey for riders whose age in years is a prime number?

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Or a special RedheadDane jersey for riders, who are old but haven't realised it yet.

 

[gregrowlerson]

Yes. For over 45's.

I want to see Andreas Klöden back in the peloton

 

[Armchair Cyclist]

Or select a month at random and have an award for best placed rider born in randomber?

 

[Armchair Cyclist]

Or a Prime Age jersey for riders whose age in years is a prime number?

Slovenia currently first and second in this!

Meanwhile, the original proposal would currently be rewarding Luis Leon Sanchez in 26th, trying to protect his 8 minute lead over Luis Mate.

 

[wirral]

A jersey for the leading rider in his first grand tour.
A jersey for the leading rider who has never won a Grand Tour.
Special coloured helmets for those who have never won a Grand Tour Stage (virgin helmets).
Two tone Special coloured helmets (white and pink) for those who have never won a professional race (extra virgin helmets).

 

[Danskebjerge]

With masters competitions gaining in popularity I feel its long overdue that at least some stage races (are there any that Im not aware of?) start introducing some kind of classification for the older pros in the peloton.
At the same time top riders are getting younger and the leader of the young riders classification often wearing the actual leaders jersey I feel a classicfication for riders over e.g. 35 could spice things up a little. And dont we all like if riders that we have been following for a decade or longer through their lengthy careers get the chance to gain some spotlight one more time as their performance might be declining.
Maybe it could also motivate some guys to hang on a little longer, teams could have an incentive to sign older riders, jersey sponsors could generate money, the list goes on...

The idea makes more sense than the current young riders’ jerseys.

If there was more money in cycling than there is, a senior tour - like in golf - would also have perspectives.

 

[RedheadDane]

Special coloured helmets for those who have never won a Grand Tour Stage (virgin helmets).

I did a quick check for the Vuelta, and I think the only teams where a majority of riders would be allowed to wear a normal helmet are Astana and UAE.

 

[CyclistAbi]

Geezer jersey.

P.S. Go old or go home.

 

[nedhill]

How about a Clydesdale jersey for those over some weight. Like 90KG / 200lbs

 

[IndurainsTdF1994]

best wheelies
most falls

 

[Samu Cuenca]

How about a Clydesdale jersey for those over some weight. Like 90KG / 200lbs

That sounds more like a competition for some of the DSs and mechanics.

 

[RedheadDane]

If they make such a jersey, and put the age at 35, then I think a rider should qualify only on the day he actually turns 35. Only for the - very slim, possibly - chance of being able to walk up to a rider and tell him: "Congratulations! You're not the best old rider in this race! "

 

[EliseeReclus]

Although it will never happen - something like a jersey for the top ranked pro conti rider would be nice instead as it seems like these teams don't compete whatsoever for GC anymore. It would (hopefully) mean that teams orientate away from just sticking a rider in the break for the day and that being that.

It could also mean that these teams have a greater impact on the race, you might have Androni chasing down the break because a Bardiani rider in it, which could impact how exciting the stage is or the GC race overall.

 

[ciranda]

How about a Clydesdale jersey for those over some weight. Like 90KG / 200lbs

Not doable cause of the high risk of cheating. Weigh in after the stage? Watch team cars hand out pizzas in the last kilometres.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Not doable cause of the high risk of cheating. Weigh in after the stage? Watch team cars hand out pizzas in the last kilometres.

I guess they would gladly take the fine and time penalty for illegal feeding. Everyone bar Bahrain that is, cause they are obviously trying to ride away from that sort of stuff.

 

[Breezy1985]

A jersey for the leading rider in his first grand tour.
A jersey for the leading rider who has never won a Grand Tour.
Special coloured helmets for those who have never won a Grand Tour Stage (virgin helmets).
Two tone Special coloured helmets (white and pink) for those who have never won a professional race (extra virgin helmets).

Being serious I do think it would be worth looking at changing white from age to rookie pro