teamklassement

Teamklassement, or team classification, is a ranking used in multi-stage cycling races to measure overall performance of teams rather than individual riders. It reflects the combined effort of a team's riders and is distinct from the general classification, which tracks individuals.

Calculation: For each stage, the times of the three fastest riders from each team are added to produce the team's stage time. The stage times are then accumulated across all stages to form the team's overall time. The team with the lowest aggregate time leads the team classification. In most races, only the times of the top three rider finishers from each team on a stage count toward the team total; the other teammates' times do not. Some races and formats, such as team time trials, use variations in how stage times are recorded, but the general principle remains a sum of key rider times.

Tie-breakers: If two teams have identical cumulative times, tie-breaks may involve the times of the next-best riders, stage-by-stage results, or other race-specific rules.

Significance: The team classification highlights teamwork, strategy, and the role of support riders, and it is a respected prize in many stage races, including the Grand Tours. It often influences team tactics and sponsorship value, as teams strive to demonstrate collective strength beyond individual stars.

See also: General classification, Points classification, Mountains classification.