Significance of the lion?

[TwoTyred]

Why is the malliot jaune wearer given a lion?

Also, who are the three guys, ok, two guys, who
shake hands with the winner? i know the first one
is Hinault..

[kubla khan]

The sponsor of the yellow jersey is Credit Lyonnais, and their mascot is a lion... henceforth the MJ wearer is given the stuffed lion.

[ed073]

who then gives it to: girlfriend/team-mate for his girlfriend/soigneur/mechanic/sick kid from the local town etc etc

[climbo]

Why is the malliot jaune wearer given a lion?

Also, who are the three guys, ok, two guys, who
shake hands with the winner? i know the first one
is Hinault..

depends on where they finish, seems to be usually the town Mayor and whatever other hangeroners can get up there to be part of it.