France's 10 Richest Cyclists: Ranking of 2025 Fortunes.
Richest cyclists in France
What are the French cyclists (including retired former glories) with the biggest fortunes in 2025? Unlike soccer or tennis stars, racing cyclists don't often become billionaires, but some of them have amassed huge fortunes. considerable fortunes thanks to their salaries, race bonuses, sponsorship contracts and wise investments. Overview informative and entertaining of the 10 richest cyclists in France.
The 10 Richest French Cyclists of 2025
10. Nacer Bouhanni - €2,000,000
Nacer Bouhanni opens the ranking with a net worth of around 2 million euros. A sprinter renowned for his boxing temperament, Bouhanni was French champion and winner of several stages in the Grand Tours. His victories in the Giro and Vuelta helped him negotiate lucrative contracts. In particular, he earned one of the highest salaries in the French peloton with Cofidis (at his peak, the figure was around 1 million euros a year). Bouhanni was also able to count on victory bonuses and a few partnerships (equipment manufacturers, bicycles) to boost his income. Although he's nearing the end of his sporting career, his heritage The accumulated wealth ensures comfortable financial security.
9. Warren Barguil - €3,000,000
Le Breton Warren Barguil has an estimated fortune of 3 million euros. A revelation at the 2017 Tour de France with two stage wins and the polka-dot jersey for best climber, Barguil capitalized on his success. This big-hearted climber then signed up with Arkéa-Samsic as leader, with a comfortable salary to the key. His income comes from his racing salary, bonuses linked to his performance in the mountains and personal sponsors in his native region (he is very popular in Brittany).
Warren Barguil is still active in 2025 and continues to make money, while already preparing his reconversion. We see him investing time in local cycling events, for example, which could herald a future career in coaching or race organization, consolidating his fortune.
8. Thomas Voeckler - €3,500,000
Former darling of the French public, Thomas Voeckler has accumulated around 3.5 million euros heritage. An emblematic rider of the 2000-2010 period, he wore the Tour de France yellow jersey for 10 days in 2004 and again in 2011, making his mark with his courage. Although his salaries at Bouygues Telecom/Europcar were modest compared with those of international stars, Voeckler made the most of his media popularity.
After retiring from sport, he stayed in the business, becoming a TV consultant and coach of the French road racing team. These new roles provide him with a steady income. Add to this his best-selling autobiography and a number of brand ambassador contracts (notably for consumer cycling equipment), and you have a capital which reflects both his sporting success and his exemplary reconversion.
7. Arnaud Démare - €4,000,000
The Picard sprinter Arnaud Démare weighs approximately 4 million euros. Three-time French road champion and winner of multiple Giro stages, Démare has long been one of the pillars of the Groupama-FDJ team. His annual salary climbed with its successes, reaching the 7 figures (more than a million euros a year in his best seasons). Added to this are victory bonuses (notably for his distinctive jerseys and Grand Tour victories) and the support of personal sponsors.
Discreet but effective, Arnaud Démare was also able to invest some of his winnings. For example, he is known to be a collector's car enthusiast, a field in which he could wisely invest his money. Still active in 2025, he continues to earn income and aims to further enrich his record of achievements - and indirectly, his fortune.
6. Richard Virenque - €5,000,000
A key figure of the 90s, Richard Virenque has an estimated fortune of 5 million euros. Best climber of the Tour on seven occasions, he was one of the most talked-about stars of French cycling. During his career, Virenque earned a good living with Festina and then Quick-Step, but it was above all with the Tour that he made his name. after retirement that he has managed to stay in the spotlight. Becoming a TV consultant, taking part in reality shows and even launching his own jewelry line at one time, he has diversified his sources of income.
Richard Virenque has also worked on ambitious investment projects, such as the creation of a luxury hotel in the south of France (proof that he doesn't hesitate to invest his fortune in business). Despite the ups and downs of certain projects, the "Golden Child" of French cycling has managed to preserve a solid nest egg. Even today, he is still invited to take part in events and advertising campaigns, continuing to build up his capital.
5. Romain Bardet - €6,000,000
With a assets of around 6 million euros, Romain Bardet places himself in 5ᵉ position. An elegant climber and twice third in the Tour de France (in 2016 and 2017), Bardet has for years been one of France's best assets for the Grande Boucle. His performances have earned him a high salary with AG2R La Mondiale, then with the DSM team, which he later joined. It is estimated that he earned around 2 million euros per year at its peak.
In addition to his sporting income, Bardet has partnerships with cycling and outdoor brands - Romain Bardet is known for his healthy lifestyle and gentlemanly image, so sponsors such as helmet and high-end bicycle manufacturers have turned to him. In addition, Bardet has prepared for the future by studying sports management and taking an interest in the wine industry (a sector in which many riders invest out of passion). Still active in 2025, he continues to ride and perform at the highest level, ensuring the maintenance and growth of his personal fortune.
4. Thibaut Pinot - €7,000,000
The darling of French cycling fans, Thibaut Pinothas a fortune of around 7 million euros. Groupama-FDJ's emblematic leader for over a decade, he has won memorable stages (notably the Tourmalet in 2019) and a Tour of Lombardy, and finished third in the 2014 Tour de France. His talents as a climber-puncher have earned him a substantial salary reaching 2 million euros a year by the end of his career.
Unattracted by the glitz, Pinot has nevertheless monetized his fame in his own way: participation in the Netflix documentary "Tour de France: Au cœur du peloton" (which boosted his popularity rating), highlighting his farm and his passion for animals (which could eventually open up partnership opportunities in the ecological or agricultural fields). Although he has bid farewell to the peloton at the end of 2023, Thibaut Pinot has no shortage of plans for the future - from courses for young cyclists to his family vineyard - which could well add to his wealth over the years, while remaining true to his simple lifestyle.
3. Bernard Hinault - €7,500,000
A living legend of cycling, Bernard Hinault comes third with an estimated fortune of 7.5 million euros. Nicknamed "the Badger", Hinault won five Tours de France (between 1978 and 1985) at a time when salaries were admittedly more modest than today, but his exploits opened many doors for him afterwards. A charismatic champion and the last French winner of the Tour, for many years he earned income as a Tour de France ambassador (he stood on the official podium alongside the winners, representing the organizer ASO).
He also published books, gave lectures and used his image to promote regional sporting events. Hinault, true to his Breton roots, has invested in a farm and farmland - real estate that forms part of his fortune. Always outspoken and direct, he has been less present in the media in recent years, enjoying a well-deserved retirement. Nevertheless, his judicious investments and eternal fame provide a solid financial footing, worthy of its status as an outstanding champion.
2. Laurent Jalabert - €9,000,000
In second place, Laurent Jalabert has a net worth of around 9 million euros. A dominant figure in cycling in the 1990s, "Jaja" won almost everything: world number 1 for several seasons running, winner of the 1995 Vuelta, world time-trial champion, not to mention four distinctive jerseys in the Tour de France (green jersey and polka-dot jersey). His brilliant career earned him comfortable salaries at ONCE and then CSC, at a time when top riders were beginning to earn a good living.
After his retirement from sport in 2002, Laurent Jalabert didn't rest on his laurels. He became a star consultant on television (notably on France Télévisions during the Tour de France), which ensures him a steady income. steady income for 20 years. He also takes part in marketing operations for cyclosportives that bear his name, and collaborates with sports equipment brands. Added to this is his prudent asset management: Jalabert has invested in real estate, among other things. All this makes him one of France's wealthiest retired sportsmen. His calm tone and expertise continue to appeal to the public, extending the personal brand value far beyond the roads he has traveled.
1. Julian Alaphilippe - €10,000,000
At the top of the leaderboard, Julian Alaphilippe is the richest French cyclist in 2025 with an estimated fortune of 10 million euros. A true rock star of the peloton since 2019, Alaphilippe has conquered two titles in his career. world champion (2020 and 2021) and a string of successes in the classics and the Tour de France (yellow jersey for 14 days in 2019). These exploits have earned him a golden contract with the Deceuninck-Quick Step team (now Soudal-Quick Step), earning around 2.3 million euros a year in recent seasons - one of the highest salaries for a Frenchman.
Julian also benefits from personal sponsorship contracts lucrative: he is, for example, the face of certain brands in France, and rides prestige bikes supplied by Specialized. Passionate and charismatic, he has been able to negotiate comfortable bonuses, and has probably invested his winnings wisely (in real estate or businesses, like many champions). At 32, Alaphilippe is in the prime of his career and continues to write his legend. If he maintains his level and his popular image, his fortune could grow even further in the years to come, solidifying him as the wealthiest French cyclist of his generation.
Conclusion
French cycling proves that a passion for racing can go hand in hand with financial success. From iconic figures such as Julian Alaphilippe and Laurent Jalabert to former glories such as Richard Virenque and Bernard Hinault, these athletes have managed to turn their sporting careers into solid assets. Thanks to attractive salaries, performance bonuses, sponsorship contracts and shrewd investments, French cyclists, both active and retired, illustrate that even in a sport where overall earnings remain more modest than in other disciplines, determination and intelligent earnings management can amass considerable fortunes.
FAQ : The wealth of French cyclists
Q: Who will be the richest French cyclist in 2025?
R: According to our ranking, the richest French cyclist in 2025 is Julian Alaphilippe with an estimated fortune of 10 000 000 €. This amount includes all the income he has accumulated over the course of his career (salaries, bonuses, sponsorship and investments).
Q: How do professional cyclists earn money?
R: A cyclist's income comes mainly from his or her salary paid by the team (often the largest share), to which are added the performance bonuses (stage wins, general classification, distinctive jerseys, etc.) during races. They can also sign personal sponsorship contracts with brands (bikes, clothing, helmets, energy drinks, etc.), especially if they have a strong public image. Finally, some invest in ancillary activities (businesses, real estate) to diversify their sources of income.
Q: Do cyclists continue to earn income after their sporting retirement?
R: Yes, many cyclists retired continue to generate income. They can become TV or radio consultantsSome of them have gone on to monetize their notoriety through books, conferences or even launching their own businesses. Some monetize their notoriety through books, conferences or even by launching their own businesses. These post-career activities help to supplement the savings accumulated during the competitive years and maintain a certain standard of living.
Q: Why aren't cyclists as rich as footballers or stars of other sports?
R: Although extremely popular, cycling does not generate the same commercial revenues as soccer or basketball, for example. TV rights and sponsorships in cycling are lower, which has repercussions on riders' salaries (which are still comfortable for the best, but not on a par with those of top-level footballers).
What's more, a cyclist's career is limited in terms of peak performance, and the risks (falls, injuries) are high. Nevertheless, champion cyclists sometimes compensate with their image of folk heroes and a successful career transition, which can provide them with an appreciable wealth, even if it's less than that of soccer stars.
