Each year, as the world watches a blur of Lycra-clad cyclists weave their way through the picturesque landscapes of L’hexagone, a less visually appealing event is unfolding behind the scenes. The Tour de France, the most prestigious event in professional cycling, is also a veritable gold mine that generates a bucket load of cash each and every year.
The revenue generated from this pedal-powered spectacle is estimated to be anywhere between $60 million and $150 million per annum, according to sources consulted by The Hustle. This figure represents about 50% of the total annual revenue of the Amaury Sport Organisation, the owner of the race.
As the late, great cyclist Fausto Coppi once said, “A bicycle ride is a flight from sadness.” Well, for the ASO, it’s also a flight straight to the bank!
How Much Money Does the Tour de France Make
The financial excitement of the grand spectacle isn’t just confined to the race organizers and participating businesses. It also extends to cycling fans the world over who engage in sports betting. The thrill of predicting race outcomes adds another layer of excitement to the event, with many punters proving just how sharp they are by getting the most bang for their buck through bonuses.
These freebies are offered by various sites as a way to attract and retain customers. They can take different forms, such as free bets, deposit matches, and price boosts. For instance, a site like www.oddschecker.com provides a platform where bettors can compare the best available offers across hundreds of outlets. This approach not only increases the potential return on winners for the fans, but also amplifies their engagement in the action unfolding in front of their eyes, either on TV or lining the Champs-Élysées itself.
Legendary American poker player, Doyle Brunson, once said, “A man with money is no match against a man on a mission.” Well, in the case of the Le Tour, it seems that fans these days are both!
Boosting Local Economies and Family Businesses: From Baguettes to Bucks
However, the financial impact of the race extends beyond the ASO’s hefty coffers. The race plays a significant role in boosting the revenues of local businesses. For instance, in 2022, revenue climbed to €550 million, a gain of 17% on the previous year – when Tadej Pogacar claimed his second straight yellow jersey – according to a representative of a French firm, with the figures being reported by multiple outlets such as Irishtimes and Bloomberg.
It’s almost as if the cyclists are not just racing for the yellow jersey, but also for a golden goose!
Photo by Rob Wingate on Unsplash
Previous Winners
For over a century, this gem of professional cycling has had fans on tenterhooks. Admittedly, the world of two-wheeled athletics may not be to everyone’s taste but, when Le Tour arrives, the entire planet holds its breath in unison.
The epic 3,500-kilometer race is an insane 21-stage challenge that pushes the limits of endurance, mental toughness and teamwork. And let’s not forget, every rider out there dreams of rocking the iconic yellow jersey. But hey, not everyone’s got the skills and mental fortitude to snatch the glorious victory. Over each of the last five years, the winner of the general classification has bagged themselves a cool €500,000, as well as an additional €10,000 per individual stage victory. So, here we unveil the latest trio of fortunate and super-talented riders who managed to pocket the winnings and emerge victorious.
2022 & 2023: Jonas Vingegaard
Jonas Vingegaard, the current boss of the coveted yellow jersey, has proven himself worthy of the title. The reigning back-to-back champion has been made the odds-on favorite with online sports betting sites to make it a trifecta of victories next year. And with a number of impressive wins already under his belt, that’s unsurprising.
Not to mention his Slovenian adversary (but we’ll save that story for later), who also couldn’t snatch it away from him. Speaking of epic tales, Vingegaard’s recent triumph in 2023 unfolded as one of the most awe-inspiring performances ever witnessed on the legendary French roads.
In 2022, the incredibly gifted Danish racer managed to secure a win with some major help from his trusty teammates. The reigning champion, Pogacar, came in a close second, crossing the finish line just two minutes and 43 seconds later. However, the gap widened to a whopping seven-and-a-half minutes in 2023, as Vingegaard once again reaped the benefits of having selfless teammates by his side.
2020 & 2021: Tadej Pogacar
Tadej Pogacar’s triumph in 2020 was absolutely mind-blowing. He overcame an enormous gap against his arch-nemesis, Primoz Roglic. But, guess what? That wasn’t all. The following year, he not only defended his crown but also joined the elite club of 22 men who have won Le Tour multiple times. Talk about making history.
And you know what’s even crazier? Pogacar’s second victory might have been even more spectacular than the first. In that memorable year, he pulled off an incredible feat by leaving Vingegaard in the dust during the final time trial. But alas, it appears he might be ruing that decision now, for his Danish opponent has emerged as the unstoppable force in the cycling realm in recent times.
2019: Egan Bernal
Egan Bernal, the Colombian wonder, effortlessly snagged the prestigious 2019 yellow jersey at a mere twenty-two years young. His mountain mastery was like something out of this world, shining brightly during his unforgettable debut in the Tour De France. Can you believe it? Bernal etched his name in history as the youngest champion in over a decade. Even almost five years on from his finest hour, he’s the one climbers fear, reigning supreme on the peaks.
British Interest
Throughout its history, Britain has consistently showcased commendable performances in the illustrious tour. However, a triumph in claiming the prestigious yellow jersey and conquering the entirety of the Tour de France had eluded them time and time again. This narrative dramatically transformed in the memorable year of 2012, when Britain finally cemented its position in the exclusive circle of Tour de France champions.
Bradley Wiggins was the mastermind behind the triumph, making history as the inaugural Brit to claim the overall title. He notched up three stage victories, a feat never before accomplished by any of his competitors or predecessors. Teammate Geraint Thomas then made history six years later when he became the first-ever Welshman to claim the crown and, as of the time of writing, is the latest British winner.
Chris Froome, a Kenyan-born Brit, has firmly established himself as one of the most exceptional cyclists in the illustrious history of the Tour De France. With an impressive record of four yellow jerseys in just five years from 2013 to 2017, his dominance on the French streets was unparalleled. In 2013, Froome claimed his maiden victory, only to be narrowly edged out by the Italian sensation Vincenzo Nibali the following year.
Fueled by his prior defeat, Froome found inspiration that pushed him to achieve an impressive hat trick of victories in 2015, 2016, and 2017, making him the first cyclist since Miguel Indurain in the early 90s to secure three consecutive yellow jersey wins. In the following year, he valiantly strove for a fourth consecutive win. However, fate had a different plan, as Froome ultimately settled for a commendable third place, with his Team Sky teammate and compatriot, Geraint Thomas, emerging triumphant and claiming the title.
This year’s Tour de France takes place on June 29, 2024, and as always is expected to bring a major boost to the French economy.
Photo by Rodrigo Kugnharski on Unsplash
