2009 Tour of California way as the general classification, but only young cyclists (under 23) are in. The leader of the young rider classification received a white jersey. The fifth jersey was not awarded on the basis of a time or points-based classification. It was for each stage's "Most Courageous" rider, akin to the combativity award in the Tour de France. The rider who received this award wore a blue jersey in the next stage. Unlike the Tour de France's combativity award, there was no overall award given. There was also a classification for teams. In this classification, the times of the best three
1956 Tour de France was ridden at the fastest average speed so far, over 36 km/h. Walkowiak became only the second rider, after Firmin Lambot in the 1922 Tour de France, to win without taking a single stage, and is the only Tour de France winner to date who never won a stage in any year. In the previous years, a flat tyre had to be repaired, but from 1956 on, it was allowed to change wheels. As was the custom since the 1930 Tour de France, the 1956 Tour de France was contested by national and regional teams. Seven national teams were sent,