For 2009, Carrefour, partner of the Tour de France, has entrusted Agatha Ruiz de la Prada with the design of its hosts’ outfits who will award the Carrefour Polka Dot Jersey (Maillot des Pois Carrefour) which is given to the best climber.

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada dresses the hostesses for this year's Carrefour Polka Dot Jersey

This task comes on the back of a 16 year partnership between Champion, a subsidiary of Carrefour, and the Polka Dot Jersey of the Tour de France. Now, Champion supermarkets have been rebranded as Carrefours and subsequently the Champion Polka Dot Jersey will this year become the Carrefour Polka Dot Jersey.

Also for the event, the hypermarket has asked for a range with extra-zest from Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, who has designed the outfits for the six hostesses who will award the prize. On the cards, long shorts and a tank-top and a dress with three quarter length jacket.

A small amount of feminine freshness then in the totally male world of this cycling competition, every day of the mountain stage young ladies will be presenting the spotted top to the best climber, ascertained through the addition of points gained by the cyclists in the tough mountain passes.

At the end of the event, the hostesses’ outfits will be sold by auction to raise money for charity partners of Carrefour.

By Jonathan Fulwell (Source: C. Vautard)