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Wages for average pro rider?

Old 11-07-18, 08:14 PM
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Wages for average pro rider?

Can anyone give us a quick run down on how much an average pro rider can make in a year? We know the top few make a bunch but how about the average domestique?
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Old 11-07-18, 08:49 PM
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Varies tremendously depending on team and which races you go to. Low-level teams pay very little.
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Old 11-07-18, 09:20 PM
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So it could be a deal where you are paying to ride (for some).
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Old 11-09-18, 10:42 AM
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https://www.skysports.com/cycling/news/21683/9914043/just-how-much-do-chris-froome-and-the-rest-of-the-peloton-earn
3
years old and in British pounds, but this is probably a decent explanation.
Curiously enough I got to this link by Googling "what does Tejay van Garderen make"?
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Old 11-09-18, 03:07 PM
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Despite what some people here seem to think being American is a plus salary-wise.
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Old 11-12-18, 11:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Pemetic2006
https://www.skysports.com/cycling/news/21683/9914043/just-how-much-do-chris-froome-and-the-rest-of-the-peloton-earn
3
years old and in British pounds, but this is probably a decent explanation.
Curiously enough I got to this link by Googling "what does Tejay van Garderen make"?
I can tell you what Tejay VanGarderen doesn't make.....an overall GC contender.
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Old 11-12-18, 11:15 AM
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Originally Posted by redtires
I can tell you what Tejay VanGarderen doesn't make.....an overall GC contender.
Thanks for letting me know.
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Old 11-13-18, 03:13 PM
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Here are the monthly wages for the now defunct Aqua Blue Pro Continental team riders.

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Old 11-13-18, 08:17 PM
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These are not average - they are starting. My guess average World Tour pro is in the $200s (average). The Tour of Utah riders under $100K.

Several of my kid's junior LUX teammates have gone pro (6 or so) and several not.
Of the top 10 or so juniors some went pro, some did not. It seemed to me mostly a choice. As a parent, it is a hard choice. I thought only Brandon McNulty was a no-brainier. I am very curious how the group will end up about age 24. I know of some salaries, I will not peg to names. All 5 digit for the <U20s. Some are <$10K and some high 5 digit. The <$10K kid is right up there at the top.
It is political. It is also based on where you are willing to live and what you are willing to put up with.

A six figure cycling job is very doable for the elite juniors after 3-4 years. But many of them are very over it and move on. Some dabble in both life without cycling and cycling. These dabblers can be pretty sharp. See current USAC CEO.
This is a European sport. If the racers does not want to live in Europe after age 22 or so, I don't think it is the right job.

Last edited by Doge; 11-13-18 at 08:21 PM.
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Old 11-13-18, 08:32 PM
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Minimum wage increase for WorldTour and Pro Continental riders | Cyclingnews.com
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Old 11-14-18, 03:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Doge
This is a European sport. If the racers does not want to live in Europe after age 22 or so, I don't think it is the right job.
Correct, like any professional sport it takes commitment, if you haven't got it don't bother.
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Old 11-14-18, 08:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Caretaker
Correct, like any professional sport it takes commitment, if you haven't got it don't bother.
A European BB player that wants to be a pro - moves to the USA and likely gets a college education out of it. Most males in the USA don't have to move countries to make money at the sports they grew up with. In the football you can get 4 years of college in, then decide and never move countries (assuming you were born in the USA). Cycling is particularly difficult as it means moving at a young age - before college, and skipping it. Lots in the USA that could, don't take that risk as the cost is too high, and pay too low relative to other sports. USA has the youth talent, but the transition plan to get them into the pro lifestyle is not there.
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Old 11-15-18, 12:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Doge
A European BB player that wants to be a pro - moves to the USA and likely gets a college education out of it. Most males in the USA don't have to move countries to make money at the sports they grew up with. In the football you can get 4 years of college in, then decide and never move countries (assuming you were born in the USA). Cycling is particularly difficult as it means moving at a young age - before college, and skipping it. Lots in the USA that could, don't take that risk as the cost is too high, and pay too low relative to other sports. USA has the youth talent, but the transition plan to get them into the pro lifestyle is not there.
In addition to that - cycling just doesn't fit into the macho culture of the US. Very few adolescents dream of being professional cyclists. Most local programs that encourage cycling do so only as a means of commuting.
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Old 11-15-18, 12:01 PM
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Note this includes maternity leave too.
From 2020, women racing for WorldTour teams will be entitled to a minimum salary for the first time.
In the first year, the minimum salary will be €15,000 (£13,000), rising to €20,000 in 2021 and finally €27,500 (£23,000) by 2022.
Read more at https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/r...ehdCkvH3OCr.99

From https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/r...-season-397543
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Old 11-25-18, 05:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Davednconfused
In addition to that - cycling just doesn't fit into the macho culture of the US. Very few adolescents dream of being professional cyclists. Most local programs that encourage cycling do so only as a means of commuting.
it depends on where you live. Same with triathlon, probably the fastest growing sport along with soccer. I talk to many parents who are looking for bikes for junior tri and bike racing.

cycling was big where I grew up, and we had proper coaching and I raced and went overseas as well. I also went to college and realized I would not make a living at bike racing but made enough to pay for school. I did have an advantage having family living overseas.

Back then riders really had no support if the team went belly up unlike now with financial bonds to cover salaries.

most of the guys I rode with had grade school educations and if the cycling thing didn't work it was back to the factory or mine or something. Motivation was high. Use of ped substances high. A whole different can of worms.

it is sobering what people will do when backed into a corner.

bottom line...there was base pay and then bonus money. You made money off bonus. Work incentives.





Last edited by roadwarrior; 11-25-18 at 06:02 AM.
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