1.   The four-time top climber in the Tour and the second-place finisher two years ago, he now rides for the Polti team in Italy.

2.   Pantani, a top climber, is returning to the Giro following a severe leg fracture and his efficiency is questionable.

3.   As race entered the mountains, the winner of the top climber award for the last four years is missing from the race.

4.   Four times the top climber in the Tour.

5.   Jalabert took the points prize, while Swiss Markus Zberg was awarded the top climber prize and his compatriot Sven Montgomery the best young rider, coming in sixth.

6.   Not known as a top climber, he persevered on the punishing, rain-slicked slopes of the Alps.

7.   The mountain stages were seen as a big test for Armstrong, not known as a top climber.

8.   Virenque had won the top climber award of the Tour the last four years with Voet as his personal trainer.

9.   Virenque had Voet as his personal trainer and won the top climber award of the Tour the last four years.

10.   Virenque has won the top climber award of the Tour the last four years with Voet as his personal trainer.