World apart from football wow. These guys must really love the sport!
It IS a world apart , yes, but bear in mind those figures are just for stage finishes and sprints etc. The GC also carries a large-ish prize fund - but they aren't racing for prize money, they are getting paid to be there by the teams. A rider that does well in the TdF ( stage win) can expect a hefty increase in salary for the rest of the season, and probably the rest of his career.
It IS a world apart , yes, but bear in mind those figures are just for stage finishes and sprints etc. The GC also carries a large-ish prize fund - but they aren't racing for prize money, they are getting paid to be there by the teams. A rider that does well in the TdF ( stage win) can expect a hefty increase in salary for the rest of the season, and probably the rest of his career.