The total sum of the prize money at the 2006 Giro d'Italia will be back to its previous level, after being decreased this season. On Tuesday, August 16, the Giro organisers RCS announced that the sum awarded to the teams next year would add up to €1.35 million again, just like in 2004, whereas this year the prize money totaled 'only' €1.255 million. The participating teams had protested and the organisers have now officially confirmed the amended amount.
Prize money wasn't the only issue between the Giro organisers and the professional teams. The amount of start money had also caused some controversy, as RCS was willing to pay €30.000 to each participating team to cover their cost of travelling and other expenses. The teams, in turn, asked for twice that amount, and after threatening to boycott the race, the organisers conceded to €50,000, which was accepted. However, it seemed as though the increased start money was tied to the decreased prize money.
