The year 2023 was remarkable for the world of professional cycling, especially when it came to the remuneration of elite athletes. Determining the average salary of a cyclist has always been a challenging task, given the scarcity of official disclosure by teams. However, some crucial information managed to escape the veil of secrecy, providing a unique insight into the financial reality of the cycling protagonists.
Tadej Pogačar, the leader of UAE Team Emirates and the highest-paid cyclist, continued to impress in 2023 with a staggering annual salary of 6 million euros. The spotlight wasn’t only on him, as Mathieu van der Poel, representing Alpecin-Deceuninck, also had his salary disclosed, receiving a considerable amount of 2 million euros per year.
It is imperative to highlight that these values represent specific cases and do not reflect the average salary of the category as a whole. The lack of transparency in team disclosures makes obtaining a global average a challenging task.
As reported by the Dutch website Manlyé, the International Cycling Union (UCI) has set a minimum salary for professional cyclists, applicable to participants at the highest level of professional cycling, the WorldTour. Currently set at 32,102 euros, this minimum is scheduled to increase progressively in the coming years. In 2024, it will reach 35,000 euros, rising to 38,000 euros in 2025. These adjustments aim to ensure a fair and adequate remuneration for professional cyclists, reflecting the value these athletes bring to the sport.
The Dutch source also highlights that the average salary of a professional cyclist who does not hold a prominent position, does not frequently win, or is part of a smaller team is estimated to be around 200,000 euros per year, according to various sources. These values, naturally, are subject to fluctuations, depending on variables such as the cyclist’s experience, the team they are part of, their previous performance, and other contractual aspects.
During the acclaimed Tour de France, the most prestigious cycling event, the average salary reaches even higher levels. It is estimated that the average annual salary of a cyclist participating in the Tour is approximately 280,000 euros. This discrepancy reflects the unique relevance and visibility of this event, in addition to its inherent prestige. It’s worth noting that these numbers are approximate and subject to fluctuations, as contracts and individual impacts can influence the earnings of cyclists.
A notable example of this post-performance appreciation is Biniam Girmay. After his victory in Gent-Wevelgem in 2022, reliable sources revealed that the cyclist from Intermarché – Circus – Wanty experienced a substantial salary increase, now receiving 1 million euros per year. This episode reinforces how exceptional performance can directly impact the financial valuation of professional cyclists, adding an extra layer of competitiveness to the spectacle that is elite cycling.