Tour de France 2018

[Shebeen]

The riders in the TdF peleton are the 1% of the pro cycling fraternity (I'm not including postmen/bike couriers in this dataset).

 

I think it is better to judge a profession on it's average salary/earning than the edge of the bell curve (but best to look at the whole picture). There are many many guys (and girls) at the bottom of this pyramid who put in just as many hours and they are feeding off scraps to get higher up the ladder.

 

So are cyclists overpaid? hell no, they are not far off the flipping greyhounds at the racetrack

 

Some guys at the top are doing quite nicely, but they represent a fraction of the industry. Pro cycling as a business is incredibly distorted - the constant ASO/UCI tug of war doesn't really help the riders, when the main aim should be to monetize it better. (I think France tourism should be paying for the stacks of free publicity they get). Oleg tried to fix it, Velon is also trying their bit, but currently I don't think the sponsorship model really gets a decent return for the companies putting the cash in.

[Jewbacca]

I think I agree with you and at the same time disagree with you.

 

We as society place too much value on these individuals.

 

But then...

 

Compared to other entertaiment sources, I do think these cyclists should earn a larger portion of the revenue generated up to a point, then the rest of the revenue should be channeled to community upliftment projects like Qhubeka. Win-Win....

I agree

 

Using sport to create upliftment is awesome.

[BigDL]

But if they were 'the best' they would be on the Sky train earning 1m surely?

 

Look, I get what everyone is saying, but I can't buy into it.

 

You're still saying things like 'top of their profession' which goes back to the fact they most of them are not educated and have no real world value other than the demand from the public for entertainment.

 

They can't fix your retaining wall, do your taxes, build a bridge or do anything that adds any actual value to the global economy other than in a made up revenue stream that only exists due to our need for competition and entertainment.

 

I place less value on top cyclists than I do one the guys who fix our roads and policemen/security who keep me safe.

 

I love cycling and I love watching the top pro's bash it out, but if it all stopped tomorrow it wouldn't really change anything other than a few million people missing a few sporting spectacles.

 

It's become so bad that when a sportsman at 23 years old says something, actual adults believe him and spout his limited views as fact. Jenny McCarthy, an ex porn star turned terrible actress/activist told the world vaccinations cause autism and a whole heap of people believed her.

 

Entertainment and those doing the entertaining are valued far higher than they should be.

 

But never mind... ASO, like fifa, like all major sports organising committes are crooks. Hell, the Olympic Organising committee usually comprises of thieves and embezzlers. It is hardly shocking and is nothing new.

Surely just by virtue of being at the tour they are at the very top of their game.

 

My point was less about the rights and wrongs of their earnings and more to point out that 70k euros is a good, but not amazing salary.

[Jewbacca]

Surely just by virtue of being at the tour they are at the very top of their game.

 

My point was less about the rights and wrongs of their earnings and more to point out that 70k euros is a good, but not amazing salary.

I fully get that and have never disputed these guys are the best cyclists in the world.

 

I LOVE watching them and follow the sport more than I do round ball or egg ball or hard small round ball.... 

 

My point is more that they are the best in a made up field that holds almost no real world value. 

[DieselnDust]

Personally I feel that Pro Cyclists are earning a commensurate salary. Its other sports where the athletes are over valued; NBA, NFL, Super Rugby, premier League, Bundesliga, etc.

 

Those athletes are paid for the viewership they bring in and therefore the sponsorship opportunity. Brands are willing to pay the leagues, or associations or governing bodies for the TV time they can milk out of it.

 

the model employed in Cycling harks back to the 1800's. For some reason Cycling just doesn't seem to attract the same sort of business brain trust that other sports do.

[Patchelicious]

What does your average SA pro cyclists earn? vs Your run of the mill accountant?

 

We are talking about TDF riders like they are Spur Managers.

[Paddaman]

What does your average SA pro cyclists earn? vs Your run of the mill accountant?

 

We are talking about TDF riders like they are Spur Managers.

I suppose once they retire, and reskill, they may make decent Spur Managers

[Shebeen]

I suppose once they retire, and reskill, they may make decent Spur Managers

or bike shop owners

 

 

 

whilst we're talking overpaid uneducated productive members of society, why is no one bringing what the kardashians contribute to global good?

 

[Paddaman]

or bike shop owners

 

 

 

whilst we're talking overpaid uneducated productive members of society, why is no one bringing what the kardashians contribute to global good?

 

Love the jean pant boot, enough to make any Scotsman interested.....

[s14phoenix]

I suppose once they retire, and reskill, they may make decent Spur Managers

 

It's always Spur isn't it...   :lol:  

 

Problem also is that riders have to use the team kit. so not much opportunity for endorsement deals - the team sponsors require the TEAM to all wear their stuff etc etc. Many often sponsor the items they give the team only and no actual cash is paid.

[Paddaman]

It's always Spur isn't it...   :lol:  

 

Problem also is that riders have to use the team kit. so not much opportunity for endorsement deals - the team sponsors require the TEAM to all wear their stuff etc etc. Many often sponsor the items they give the team only and no actual cash is paid.

I suppose by sponsoring the School Mtb series, Spur is actually doing talent spotting for it's steakhouse managers........

 

If you can afford and ride a bike, then you are just the person to manage desperate waiters and waitresses.....

[s14phoenix]

or bike shop owners

 

 

 

whilst we're talking overpaid uneducated productive members of society, why is no one bringing what the kardashians contribute to global good?

 

 

Not to be funny but if all the Kardaskum was to be removed from the face of the earth I am sure the will be lots more oxygen for the rest of the inhabitants of this planet that actually contribute to society.

 

just to add: Looks like she and the guy next to her decided to split the pants - he took to top half and she took the bottom.   :lol:  

[Vetplant]

or bike shop owners

 

 

 

whilst we're talking overpaid uneducated productive members of society, why is no one bringing what the kardashians contribute to global good?

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but that's Jennifer Lopez...no?

 

She at least has a bit of acting,dancing and singing talent...

[Patchelicious]

Correct me if I am wrong, but that's Jennifer Lopez...no?

 

She at least has a bit of acting,dancing and singing talent...

Yup, thats Jenny from the Block. She made it from a backup dancer, so she probably deserves a bit more respect than those others.

 

Ps: Who is the girl in the pic above J Lo, never heard of her before.

[Fat Boab]

Love the jean pant boot, enough to make any Scotsman interested.....

 

And, what should I be interested in? Ms Lopez's cutting edge prototype wedding outfit for ladies from XXXX (insert neighbourhood of your choosing), perhaps?

[Paddaman]

And, what should I be interested in? Ms Lopez's cutting edge prototype wedding outfit for ladies from XXXX (insert neighbourhood of your choosing), perhaps?

If you wear jean pant boots, they cover up to just above the knee, and with a kilt on, the whole leg will be kept warm.  No more cold knees on winter days.....