Friday 7 July 2017 06:23, UK
Mark Cavendish feels no animosity towards Peter Sagan following the crash that ended the Briton's Tour de France.
Sagan was disqualified from the Tour for elbowing Cavendish into the barriers during the sprint finish of stage four on Tuesday, in a collision which resulted in Cavendish being taken to hospital with his right arm in a sling.
Despite the incident, in which Cavendish sustained a broken shoulder blade, the Brit defended world champion Sagan and stressed the pair's absence from the race will be felt.
In a video released on his personal Twitter account, Cavendish said: "With regards to the sprint yesterday, unfortunately these things happen, especially the chaotic finales of the sprints."
"Just know there are no hard feelings between Peter and I.
"We're friends and he came to apologise after. He called me in the evening as well, so that's the measure of the man he is and he's a great world champion.
"He's great for the sport and I think we'll both be missed in the Tour de France in the finals."
The Dimension Data sprinter went on to condemn what he terms "violent" comments received on social media and appealed to the public to respect himself and his family.
"Everyone is going to be entitled to their opinions. I know full well," he continued.
"Please know this is sport. I now have a family, I'm 32-years-old.
"Violent, threatening comments on social media to myself and my family is not deserved. I would ask you all to respect that."
