(aside: ASO is a for-profit, and looks at the short term, to the detriment of the ever more popular women’s cycling. Earlier this year, they decided to move down two major women’s races (Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège) from the top flight level because they didn’t want to spend the money on broadcasting them that the international cycling union requires for top flight races (https://www.outsideonline.com/2397117/aso-bumps-marquee-wome...) )
Let’s say 10 top pilots, each a year’s wages, additional costs for flying, etc. 10 to 20 million euro?
The TdF doesn’t sell tickets, but the organizer makes a healthy profit (https://inrng.com/2017/11/amaury-sport-accounts-finances/, of which likely half or thereabouts from the Tour de France.
(aside: ASO is a for-profit, and looks at the short term, to the detriment of the ever more popular women’s cycling. Earlier this year, they decided to move down two major women’s races (Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège) from the top flight level because they didn’t want to spend the money on broadcasting them that the international cycling union requires for top flight races (https://www.outsideonline.com/2397117/aso-bumps-marquee-wome...) )