Who was the first winner of the Tour de France young rider classification in 1975?

Francesco Moser was the first winner of the Tour de France young rider classification, taking the inaugural title in 1975.

The classification was introduced for the 1975 Tour after the combination classification was removed. At the time, eligibility was limited to neo-professionals—riders within their first three years as professionals—rather than the under-26 rule used today.

Moser was already a major talent. In his only Tour de France appearance, he won the prologue and one road stage, wore the yellow jersey for several days and finished seventh overall. He also won the white jersey awarded to the young-rider leader.

The classification’s rules changed several times. Eligibility was restricted to first-time Tour riders in 1983 and later became an age-based competition in 1987. That history explains why older references may describe Moser’s award differently from the modern young rider classification.