Tadej Pogačar Tops 2025 Spring Classics Prize Money List with Over €100,000; Van der Poel Close Behind
As the curtain falls on the 2025 Spring Classics season, the financial rewards mirror the intensity witnessed on the cobbles and climbs of Europe’s most iconic one-day races. Leading the charge in prize money earnings is Slovenian superstar **Tadej Pogačar**, whose blistering performances have earned him over **€100,000**, cementing his status as the top money earner of the spring. Close behind, **Mathieu van der Poel** also enjoyed a lucrative Classics campaign, proving once again that consistency pays off.
Pogačar’s Winning Spring
Tadej Pogačar’s campaign was a masterclass in dominance and strategy. Victory at **Strade Bianche** set the tone, followed by a monumental solo win at **Liège-Bastogne-Liège**, where he dismantled the competition. Adding a podium finish at **Milano-Sanremo** to his palmarès, Pogačar showed versatility across race profiles. These results did not just yield trophies and accolades—they translated into the highest prize payout of the season.
Van der Poel’s Consistent Brilliance
While he didn’t win as many races outright, Mathieu van der Poel demonstrated why he remains one of the most complete Classics riders in the world. Podium finishes at **Paris-Roubaix**, **E3 Saxo Classic**, and **Gent-Wevelgem** ensured a steady accumulation of prize money. His runner-up spot on the earnings list reflects not only his talent but also his ability to remain a fixture at the front of every major one-day contest.
Other Top Earners: Philipsen and Pedersen Cash In
Belgium’s **Jasper Philipsen** made a strong statement with his **Milano-Sanremo** victory and multiple top-ten finishes. His sprinting prowess in tightly contested finishes earned him a considerable payout. Likewise, **Mads Pedersen** had a solid spring, with consistent high finishes in cobbled races like **Dwars door Vlaanderen** and **Tour of Flanders**, helping him secure a spot among the season’s top financial beneficiaries.
Disparities Highlight Ongoing Gender Inequality
Despite the celebration of the men’s financial windfalls, the 2025 season again brought attention to the stark **disparity in prize money between male and female riders**. Stars like **Lotte Kopecky**, who dominated several women’s Classics, took home a fraction of the earnings awarded to their male counterparts. This ongoing inequality remains a central debate in professional cycling, with increasing calls for reform.
A Season of Sporting and Financial Victories
From historic solo wins to thrilling sprints, the 2025 Spring Classics offered a spectacle that lived up to its reputation. The financial rewards, while secondary to glory for many riders, remain a key part of the narrative. As Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel lead the earnings chart, their performances show that the most successful riders are also the sport’s biggest financial winners.
However, as cycling continues to evolve commercially, ensuring **equitable prize structures** across genders will be vital to maintaining integrity and inclusivity in the sport. The road ahead is promising—but still paved with challenges.
