Tour De France: Mark Cavendish Has Urine Thrown At Him During Time Trial

Mark Cavendish, a rider competing in the Tour De France, was soaked in urine during the eleventh stage of the event after a spectator threw the substance at him.

Cavendish was riding in a 33km time trial that went from Avranches to Mont Saint Michel on Wednesday morning when the liquid was thrown at the 28-year-old.

He originally believed that it was water but then he realised what it was when he tasted the substance. Cavendish is believed to have been “saddened” by the ordeal, however he has since stated he won’t discuss the incident in public.

It is still unknown whether or not the English sportsman was targeted deliberately for the attack, however he has since received boos and jeers as he drove along in the race.

Alessandro Tegner, the press officer of Cavendish’s team, Omega Pharma-Quick Step, stated, “Yes, that’s true I think,” when he was asked about the incident, before adding, “I was behind him. I didn’t see it, but I think it’s true.”

Tegner then remarked that the liquid smelt like urine and that it was “all over” Cavendish, whilst he then added that the rider discussed the ordeal once he completed his time trial. Tenger noted that Cavendish told him, “He said: I really don’t know what’s going on.”

The Guardian also quoted Patrick Lefevere, the team’s manager, as saying, “Mark is sad, he’s not upset, just sad. I cannot blame anyone, there are 100,000 or 200,000 people on the road, and one person decided to do this.”

Cavendish has been treated harshly by fans over the last 24 hours following an incident on Tuesday that saw him collide with the Dutchman Tom Veelers, which resulted in the pair crashing to the ground, even though he has since been cleared of blame by racing officials.

Do you think Mark Cavendish has been treated harshly?

[Image via wikicommons]