AI quick summary
- Climbs are ranked from 4 (easiest) up through 1 to HC (hors catégorie, beyond category, hardest).
- Harder climbs award more mountains-classification points — HC pays the most, category 4 the least.
- Categorization is based on length, average gradient, and elevation gain, not a single number.
/ 01
What the categories mean
| Category | Difficulty | Top mountains points (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| HC (hors catégorie) | Hardest — long, steep, iconic climbs | 20 |
| 1 | Very hard | 10 |
| 2 | Hard | 5 |
| 3 | Moderate | 2 |
| 4 | Easiest — short or gentle | 1 |
/ 02
How a climb gets categorized
There's no single formula published, but categorization is based on a climb's length, average gradient, and total elevation gain, with steeper pitches pushing it harder. The same climb can shift category depending on where it falls in a stage — a climb early in a flat stage might rate category 4, while the same climb as a summit finish could rate higher. HC ('hors catégorie,' beyond category) is reserved for the sport's most legendary ascents.
/ 03
Why it matters for the jerseys
Categorization directly sets the mountains-classification points on offer, which decides the polka-dot jersey. An attacker who scoops points over multiple HC and category-1 climbs can build an uncatchable lead, which is why the KoM battle often rewards aggressive breakaway riding rather than pure GC strength.
/ 04
Double points and summit finishes
Some climbs award double points — often a key summit finish — which can swing the mountains classification in a single day. If you're tracking the polka-dot jersey, watch for these stages: they're where the KoM contest is won or lost.
/ SOURCES