Today saw the start of the Tour De France which is one of my sporting events that I look forward to each year. The test of endurance along with the epic scenery has had me being a fan of this particular event for many years. I suppose it is a bit like Marmite and you either enjoy this or you hate it.
This year sees an extra 20% of gradient (climbing) added to the Tour compared to last year, so this is going to be far more grueling and will seriously test the best cyclists. For the very first time the race finish will not be on the Champs-Élysées, but in Nice because of preparations for the Paris Olympics.
There have been some boring years when one team or one rider has dominated the event and thankfully these days there are a few riders who have a realistic chance of winning this epic 3 week event. I think this is what sets the Tour apart from other races because this 3 week event is challenging on all levels.
For the top riders the prestige of winning this event outweighs the earnings because of how much the top riders are paid these days. Someone like Tadej Pogacar who is the number 1 cyclist in the world earns $6.6 million per year which is right up there with other top athletes in more popular sports. Jonas Vingegaard who is another serious contender who could win the Tour De France this year having won it twice and defending champion earning slightly less with $4.4 million. Other contenders in the mix who could win this event are Wout van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel and Primož Roglič so there are 5 riders to look out for and depends on how strong the other riders are in their team that could be the difference of wining or coming second.
If I was a betting man I would be banking on a Tadej Pogacar victory after watching him destroy the Giro D' Italia a few months ago. His climbing ability is what sets him apart and he does not need his team mates help setting him up for an attack. The speed at what he climbs up a steep mountain gradient gives you the impression other cyclists are standing still leaving them reeling in shock. he is still very young at 23, but there is a chance another youngster could make a name for himself ad is relatively unknown.
What I like about these cycling events is the prize money won by each team is shared out amongst the cyclists and back room staff.
As you can see the prize money drops off very quickly from the overall winner and cyclist finishing in 10th spot overall. There are daily prizes for each stage with the winner making €11K for his team. Those wearing the different color jerseys are also paid out daily and being 21 stages this adds up to being decent money. Every cyclist that finishes the Tour earns a payday with the last spot receiving €1,000 and why you work as a team hoping you team wins the overall event or individuals in your team win some daily prizes.
Like I said this is an event that has hooked me and is on my bucket list to watch a few stages live and experience the Tour De France advertising caravan. The caravan is all the sponsors creating a 10 kilometer stretch of vehicles pre race on each stage driving past giving away various items.