The early races of 2026 have been lucrative for some of cycling’s biggest stars – and it beats the Coca Cola headband and a pack 5 Eccles cakes that I received after my first victory in 1988 by quite the margin…

Tadej Pogačar leads the earnings rankings after a dominant run, consistently delivering wins and podiums across the classics. According to figures compiled, the world champion collected €99,000 across a condensed but highly productive schedule, winning four of his five races.

Behind him, Van Der Poel ranks second overall with €72,500. His win at the E3 Saxo Classic proved the most valuable in his tally. Van Aert completes the top three with €45,900.

But interestingly, Wout van Aert actually secured the single biggest payday from one race, Paris-Roubaix: €30,000, showing how valuable those major victories can be even without topping the overall list.