Saleries of Pro Sports

I'm not really into sports per say let alone pro-sports. However  I do like the occasional get together over beer and pizza to shout for a team I think I like and ridicule someone elseses team. That for me is as enjoyable as it gets. But looking in depth at Pro-cycling, my passion and weakness, and it's finances I want to seek out other pro-sports salaries as one comparison to the wonderful world of our 'Tour' kings and princes.
OK, so we will start with the top 20 as reported online by "Free money finance"  in  August of 2006, three years ago and this is per Annam. This includes salaries, bonus, endorsements...the works:
In the US
1. Tiger Woods, Golf, $97,628,024
2. Phil Mickelson, Golf, $45,971,710
3. Shaquille O'Neal, Basketball, $34,000,000
4. Kobe Bryant, Basketball, $33,656,932
5. Carson Palmer, Football, $31,550,000
6. LeBron James, Basketball, $28,621,800
7. Derek Jeter, Baseball, $28,000,000
8. Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, $27,000,000
9. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Auto Racing, $25,761,830
10. Michael Vick, Football, $25,400,000
 In Europe

1. Michael Schumacher, Auto Racing, $80,000,000
2. Valentino Rossi, Motorcycle Racing, $30,000,000
3. Ronaldinho, Soccer, $29,100,000
4. Maria Sharapova, Tennis, $25,421,283
5. David Beckham, Soccer, $23,000,000
6. Ichiro Suzuki, Baseball, $22,500,000
7. Roger Federer, Tennis, $22,137,018
8. Ronaldo, Soccer, $21,600,000
9. Hideki Matsui, Baseball, $21,000,0009
10. Christian Vieri, Soccer, $20,000,000
So why is it so impossible to think that a pro-cyclist is worth at least 10 million a year given that in 2006 these guys were making this kind of money? Mind you I am not advocating that all the TOP DOGS get more than their share but that's all hinged on what they attract to a Tour, what they attract  watch to watch on Tv/internet and what they can sell, in other words it's all based on YOU!
Finding anything on the pro-cycling teams finances and the individual salaries has proved to be quite difficult. However in light of the other sports salaries I don't think I would be as shocked at our cycle heroes salaries given that the income quoted above is almost four years ago!  Also in light of the amount of work produced and finesse/strategy by the individuals and their teams at the Pro-cycling level I think a 'good living' is due each one including the DOMESTICS
I guess bottom line is with out finding raw numbers, but lots of speculation in the blogs, I would have to side with the Pro teams to be paid in the realm of the other sports stars. But why is it such a mystery anyway? Although looking at the supposed salary cap on American executives and in some cases skilled workers here, why are the sportsmen getting the lions share of $$$ for playing a game and we foot the bill? Convoluted to say the least. More on Monday and then the whole dreary thing will be over with...maybe.

Remember if I pass you on the road stop at Peets, because your buying.