I've been reading in Pro Cycling magazine and in other places that the pro cycling circuit isn't very healthy right now with sponsors pulling out, riders doping, etc. I haven't been following the sport closely for very long, and I hope to have the opportunity to enjoy the professional ranks for many years to come. Cycling isn't in such bad shape that it could fold, is it? Because that would royally suck.

I'm fairly knowledgeable about how professional sports work on the business side when it comes to ice hockey and the other major team sports, but how does cycling function? Do the sponors get their money's worth? How much does it cost to run a pro cycling team? Is there a salary cap? How much money does the average pro rider make a year? I'm a new guy/rookie to the sport, and I have lots of questions! Thanks for your time