The Prix citron (; ) is an award given annually by the French Magazine L'Équipe to the Tour de France rider voted least likeable or least co-operative with the press. The Award is a semi-serious rebuke by international cycling journalists to the professionals they cover. It is announced together with the newer Prix orange, given to the rider(s) voted most likeable or most co-operative by journalists.
Origins At the conclusion of every Tour the prize is announced by France's largest sporting magazine, L'Équipe. Two Lemons and Two Oranges are awarded, to one French and Non-French cyclist apiece. Votes are solicited by the magazine to cycling journalists around the world.
The Tour de France is well-known for its numerous official and semi-official prizes, with the Prix citron falling among the latter. It stands alongside similar tongue-in-cheek prizes like the Lanterne Rouge (awarded to each stage's slowest rider), and the Top Banana (awarded daily by "Rouleur" magazine to an "Unsung rider").
See also Maillot jaune Maillot vert Maillot blanc Maillot à pois Dossard gris (formerly « Le Dossard rouge ») Dossard jaune Lanterne rouge Souvenir Henri Desgrange Gans de tour (Unluckiest Rider) Prix Alex Virot (Most Loyal Rider) Prix René Dunan (Youngest Rider to Complete the Tour)
References
External links Prix orange pour Federer Prix Citron the TdF Award that wasn't Stripped from Lance Armstrong Prix Citron Awarded Stage 21 Rouleur Top Banana Prize