At the Giro d’Italia, attention is always captured by the pink jersey, the symbol of overall classification leadership. But for a very specific category of riders, namely sprinters, powerful finishers and classics men, the real objective is another: the points jersey, awarded to the leader of the points classification. This is where a parallel competition plays out, often as spectacular as the one for the final victory.

In recent years, the points classification has changed its identity. If in the past it also favored climbers (just think of winners like Joaquim Rodriguez and Cadel Evans: he also won it in 2011, but it was cancelled due to a positive test at the Tour), today it is clearly designed to exalt sprinters. Since 2014, the points system has been modified to reward above all those who dominate the flat stages, and has brought to prominence names like Mark Cavendish, Nacer Bouhanni and Arnaud Démare. Today the difference is clear: a victory in a flat stage is worth much more, in points, than one in the mountains or a time trial. This orientation makes the points jersey a natural objective for pure sprinters, but still leaves room for complete riders capable of being consistent.

The current system rewards different types of stages differently. Flat stages: 50 points to the winner; hilly: 25 points; mountain and time trial: 15 points. To these are added the points earned in the intermediate sprints, present in every road stage. Here the first five classified collect precious points, with 12 points awarded to the first. A recent feature is the introduction of the Red Bull KM, a special kilometer that awards time bonuses for the overall classification (6”, 4” and 2”) but no points for the points classification. An interesting tactical element, but irrelevant for the points jersey.

In case of a tie in the points classification, the following count in order: the number of stage wins, intermediate sprints won and finally the position in the overall classification. A fundamental detail: to win the points jersey you must reach Rome, completing all stages. The route offers several opportunities for those aiming for the points classification. The flat fractions (eight in 2026) are numerous and decisive, while the hilly ones can reward more resistant and versatile riders. The mountain stages (there are seven summit finishes), on the other hand, often represent an obstacle: here the objective is to limit the damage and arrive within the time limit.

Among the favorites stands out Jonathan Milan, already a two-time winner of the points jersey in 2023 and 2024 and among the most complete sprinters in the peloton (green jersey at the 2025 Tour). His ability to resist even on challenging terrain makes him a natural candidate for final success. Another prominent name is Dylan Groenewegen, a pure sprinter with great explosiveness. If the Dutchman can get through the toughest stages, he can also have his say in the points classification. Eyes on French talent Paul Magnier, young but already competitive, and on Danish rider Tobias Lund Andresen, a more complete rider who could exploit the mixed stages to accumulate points. Among other possible protagonists we find Australian Kaden Groves, already a two-stage winner at the Giro, and outsiders like German Pascal Ackermann or Milanese Matteo Moschetti.

The fight for the points jersey is not just a matter of pure speed. It requires consistency, the ability to stay in the race on difficult days and to seize every useful opportunity. Even general classification riders rarely manage to truly compete for this objective, precisely because of the points system that favors sprints. The big question remains always the same: who will make it all the way to Rome with enough energy and points to wear the purple symbol? After Mads Pedersen’s success in 2025, the challenge is wide open and promises spectacle right up to the final stage on the Capital’s circuit.