For the 2011 Tour, there will be new rules in place governing how the points classification and the King of the Mountains are won.

  Previously, stages classified flat had three intermediate sprint points in them, worth 6, 4, and 2 points to the first three riders across the line.
  In 2011, flat stages will have just one intermediate sprint, but it will be worth 20 points to the first rider across the line, and the first 15 will score points.
  The intention is to have green jersey favorites need to sprint twice during the day to score well.   Points awarded at the finish of flat stages will also increase, from 40 points for the winner in 2010 to 45.
  It is not known if the points scales for medium mountain stages, mountain stages, or the individual time trial will be altered.

  Previously in the mountains classification, any hors catégorie, first-category, or second-category climb awarded double points if it was the last of the day.
  In 2011, only the summit stage finishes will award double points, specifically stage 12 ending at Luz Ardiden, stage 14 at the Plateau de Beille, stage 18 at the Col du Galibier, and stage 19 at L'Alpe d'Huez.
  Previously the first eight riders across a first-category climb scored points, as well as the first six across a second-category and the first four across a third-category. Now the first six across the line for any of these climbs will score points. For fourth-category climbs, only the first rider will score points.
  Early analysis has led to speculation that the mountains classification winner is more likely, under this system, to be a general classification contender than in years pasryt.