As the dust settles on the exhilarating 2025 Spring Classics season, the financial spoils of the world’s most prestigious one-day races have been tallied—and one name stands firmly at the top: Tadej Pogačar. The Slovenian cycling superstar not only dominated the cobbled and hilly terrains with remarkable consistency but also raked in over €100,000 in prize money, making him the biggest earner of the Spring Classics this year. Only Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel managed to come close in terms of earnings, reinforcing the duopoly that has emerged in recent seasons.
Pogačar’s incredible run included victories and podium finishes in key races such as the Tour of Flanders, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, and Amstel Gold Race. His ability to excel in both the punchy climbs and grueling distances typical of the Classics made him a standout performer. More than just physical prowess, it was his tactical brilliance and relentless racing spirit that helped him consistently finish in the money. With each finish line crossed, Pogačar not only added to his legacy but also significantly boosted his earnings.
Meanwhile, Mathieu van der Poel, the reigning world champion and master of the cobbled classics, wasn’t far behind. His victories and top placements in monuments like Paris–Roubaix and Milan–San Remo ensured his place as the second-highest prize money earner. While Pogačar edged ahead in terms of total winnings, Van der Poel’s fan-favorite status and thrilling riding style earned him widespread admiration and confirmed his place among the elite.
The financial disparity between Pogačar, Van der Poel, and the rest of the peloton highlights the dominance these two riders have exerted over the Spring Classics in recent years. Their consistency, tactical intelligence, and sheer strength not only bring trophies but also ensure that they remain lucrative assets for their respective teams. Riders like Wout van Aert, Tom Pidcock, and Matej Mohorič also enjoyed solid campaigns, but their prize money earnings didn’t quite match those of the top two, reinforcing the tight grip held by Pogačar and Van der Poel.
Beyond personal wealth, these prize money figures also reflect broader trends in the sport—where media visibility, team strategies, and commercial value are increasingly intertwined with performance. For Pogačar, this spring has been not just a season of wins, but a season of dominance in every sense, including financial. With the Tour de France and other major races still ahead, cycling fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see if anyone can break the stronghold that he—and Van der Poel—currently have on the sport.