The Green Jersey

The stages of the Tour de France skillfully highlight the talents of two distinct groups of cyclists: the climbers and the sprinters. The breathtaking peaks of the Alps and the rugged terrain of the Pyrenees showcase the fierce abilities of the climbers, while the flatter days provide the perfect backdrop for the sprinters to demonstrate their raw strength and speed. Sprinters depend heavily on their teams to maintain control of the race, setting the pace until the crucial final kilometers when a powerful train of teammates delivers them to the finishing line. In the last 200 meters, these elite athletes can reach incredible speeds of over 45 miles per hour. The strongest and fastest among them crosses the finish line first, earning valuable points toward securing the highly coveted Green Jersey. This unique toe-up anklet pattern features an artistic representation of an overhead view of the peloton during that exhilarating final kilometer. Here, racers are tightly bunched up, with teammates—known as domestiques—exerting every ounce of their strength to push their sprinter across the finish line first. The design culminates with a lacy ribbed cuff, evoking the thrill of this high-stakes race and the goal that every athlete strives for. How fast can you go with your knitting? This engaging pattern is perfect for knitters looking to combine their love for cycling with creative craftsmanship. The stitch pattern for this anklet is presented in charted form only, making it easy to follow along as you work. ### Skills Required: To successfully complete this knitting project, you should be familiar with provisional casting on, knitting, purling, increasing, decreasing, and binding off. ### Gauge: Maintain a gauge of 30 stitches and 48 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette to ensure the perfect fit. With this pattern, let your knitting speed rival that of the sprinters, and enjoy the journey as you create a beautiful, sporty accessory!