The lone American to have worn the yellow jersey, and the four who were stripped of their achievements

Officially, the last time an American wore the yellow jersey was in the Tour de France of 1991

American Yellow Jersey Wearers
(Image credit: Getty Images)

This year, there are just three Americans in the peloton of 176 riders at the Tour de France but based on their strong performances of late, this small contingent holds great promise albeit for stage wins rather than the coveted Maillot Jaune.

After winning the red jersey at Vuelta a España last year and thereby becoming the first American to win a Grand Tour in a decade, Sepp Kuss allowed American fans to once again hope. Hope for a U.S. road racing revival. Hope for an American cycling hero like the days of he-who-must-not-be-named. Certainly, there hasn't been an American contingent as strong and as exciting as the likes of Kuss, Matteo Jorgenson, Neilson Powless, Brandon McNulty and Magnus Sheffield.

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