Combination classification in the Vuelta a España Combination classification in the Vuelta a España The combination classification is one of the primary awards in the Vuelta a España cycling stage race. This classification is calculated by adding the numeral ranks of each cyclist in the general, points, and mountains classifications (a rider must have a score in all classifications possible to qualify for the combination classification), with the lowest cumulative total signifying the leader of this competition. Since 2006, the leader of the classification wears a white jersey; in 2005 it was a golden-green jersey. The award strongly favours top riders in the competition. Since its re-introduction
2009 Vuelta a España stages being mountain stages, with four mountaintop finishes. The race was won by Spain's Alejandro Valverde who claimed his first grand tour victory. 29 teams sought places in the race, of which 21 were initially invited to compete. , one of two UCI ProTour teams omitted from the list of invited teams, appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and were subsequently granted the right to enter. are thus the only ProTour team absent from the race. "For details see 2009 Vuelta a España, Stage 1 to Stage 11 and 2009 Vuelta a España, Stage 12 to Stage 21."