I don't deserve abuse for Sagan's exit: Mark Cavendish

Mark Cavendish

Mark Cavendish

Mark Cavendish has pleaded with social media users to stop abusing him over the disqualification of Peter Sagan from the Tour de France.

Cavendish's crash
Sagan was kicked out after his elbow sent Cavendish crashing into metal safety barriers in Tuesday's sprint finish to the Tour's fourth stage. Cavendish, 32, suffered a broken shoulder blade in the incident and had to pull out He revealed in a video posted on twitter that he has since been subjected to the ire of some social media users. "Please know that it's sport and I have a family," he said. "Everyone is entitled to their opinions. But vile and threatening comments on social media to myself and my family aren't deserved."

Cavendish said he was paying now for the "petulant" attitude he had as a younger rider. "Unfortunately this will never leave me," he added. "But I'd ask you all to respect that and please not send threatening or abusive language to myself and my family."

Kittel claims Stage 6
Marcel Kittel won his second stage of this year's Tour de France yesterday, sprinting to victory in the sixth stage before again breaking down in tears. The burly German had won the second stage on Sunday. Chris Froome retained his race lead.