Tour de France Team Classification Winners, 1930 to 2021

The Tour de France team classification is a lesser-known competition compared to the General Classification, Points Classification, Climber’s Classification, and Young Rider Classification.

When the Tour de France first started in 1903, it was competed by individuals. Although some participants had the same sponsors, they were not allowed to compete as a team. It wasn’t until 1930 that the organizer, Henri Desgrang allowed teams to compete.

From 1930 to 1961, only national teams competed, and from 1962 onwards, commercially sponsored teams were allowed. The teams would take the name of their main and (sometimes) secondary sponsor. It’s common that the team name changes yearly, depending on the sponsors.

Each day, the finishing times of the first three riders of each team will be added to the team classification’s time. The leading team is the team with the least amount of time. If a team has less than three riders remaining in the Tour de France, they’re removed from the team classification.

From 2012 onwards, all the riders from the leading team in Team Classification will wear a yellow helmet.