How do cyclists get paid?

How does the world of cycling remunerate its athletes? Is it purely through sponsorships and winnings from races, or are there other revenue streams as well? For those who are not competing at the elite level, how do they earn a living from cycling? Is there a stable income source, or do they rely heavily on seasonal and event-based work? What challenges do cyclists face in terms of securing fair compensation for their efforts and talent? How has the industry evolved in terms of how cyclists are paid, and what changes can we expect to see in the future?