Leading the GC standings at the end OR the start of a stage counts as holding the jersey for the purposes of the question. For example, if Geraint Thomas had lost the overall lead on stage 10 last year, that would still be considered as having held the jersey (despite the fact he did not actually wear it on that stage).
Related questions
If something unpredictable happens in between when a rider is awarded the pink jersey on the podium after the stage, and the start of the next stage, such that a new rider wears pink on the following day, will both of those riders count for the purposes of this question?
Example: Stage 1 Froome is awarded pink on the podium after the stage, but overnight he is found to be guilty of doping and thus at the start of Stage 2, Cavendish is wearing pink instead. Do they both count, or only one (and if one, which).
@Eliza I hadn't thought of that, thanks. I'll edit the description to include both riders in that case.
Interested to see what approach people think UAE will take. Pogacar will most likely be leading GC after stage 2 (maybe even stage 1) but will they give the jersey away? The three stages after that look like sprints, and then there's a TT and a MTF. He might just end up too far ahead
@Peilbeo I don't agree that Pogi will be 100% the leader after stage 2. I assume there will be a breakaway, and why shouldn't UAE let them go if there isn't a GC threat in the group? It's kind of like when Leknesund or El Patron got their Maglia Rosa. There's no reason for anyone to chase them down. [It could happen, but maybe with a 30% chance.]