Tadej Pogačar Earned $554K at the Tour de France. So, Why Did Kasia Niewiadoma Get Just 10%?
The world of professional cycling is one of intense competition, grit, and glory. However, it’s also a world where gender disparity is starkly evident, especially when it comes to prize money. This year’s Tour de France has once again highlighted this issue, with Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar earning a whopping $554,000 for his stellar performance, while Kasia Niewiadoma, a top female cyclist, took home just 10% of that amount.
The Prize Money Gap
Pogačar, who finished second in the 2024 Tour de France, received his substantial prize not just for his overall position but also for winning stages and wearing the yellow jersey for a significant portion of the race. His earnings reflect not only his individual brilliance but also the long-established structure of the men’s Tour, which offers much higher prize money compared to the women’s equivalent.
In stark contrast, Kasia Niewiadoma, who also had an outstanding run in the Tour de France Femmes, earned just around $55,400. This figure is a small fraction of what her male counterpart received, despite the fact that both events are under the same Tour de France umbrella. The disparity isn’t just in the prize money but extends to sponsorship deals, media coverage, and overall investment in the sport.
Historical Context
The gender pay gap in cycling is not a new issue. For years, female cyclists have fought for better pay, more exposure, and equal opportunities. While there have been strides in recent years, with the reintroduction of the Tour de France Femmes in 2022, the financial rewards remain heavily skewed in favor of the men.
The Tour de France, historically the most prestigious race in cycling, has been running since 1903. However, women were largely excluded from the race for decades. It wasn’t until 1984 that a women’s version of the Tour was officially organized, only to be discontinued after a few years due to financial and logistical challenges. The revival of the Tour de France Femmes was a significant step forward, but the gap in prize money reveals how far there is still to go.
The Broader Implications
The disparity in prize money is symptomatic of a broader issue within the world of professional sports. Female athletes across various sports often receive lower pay, less media attention, and fewer sponsorship opportunities than their male counterparts. This has far-reaching implications, not just for the athletes themselves but for the visibility and growth of women’s sports.
In cycling, this disparity affects everything from the ability to attract young female talent to the sport, to the resources available for training and development. Many female cyclists have to juggle their professional careers with other jobs to make ends meet, something that is far less common among male cyclists who can rely on their prize money and sponsorships to support them.
Calls for Change
The gender pay gap in cycling has not gone unnoticed. Many prominent figures in the sport, both male and female, have called for equal pay and better conditions for female cyclists. The governing bodies, race organizers, and sponsors are increasingly being pressured to address these inequalities.
Some progress has been made, with certain races offering equal prize money for men and women. However, the Tour de France remains a glaring exception. Advocates argue that with the event’s global prestige and financial backing, there is no justification for such a wide gap in prize money.
As the world becomes more aware of gender inequalities in all sectors, the issue of pay disparity in cycling is likely to remain in the spotlight. The hope is that with continued pressure and advocacy, the sport will move toward a more equitable future.
For now, the stark difference in earnings between Tadej Pogačar and Kasia Niewiadoma serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done. It’s not just about money—it’s about recognition, respect, and ensuring that every cyclist, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to compete on a level playing field.
