The organisers of the Flanders Diamond Tour have apologised after bikini-clad podium girls flanked cyclists in post-race pictures.
The scene was branded an 'utter disgrace' by cyclist Marijn de Vries, who posted the image on Twitter, prompting organiser Lotto Cycling Cup to tweet an apology in which it distanced itself from from the organisation of the podium.
Reports on Twitter claim that the girls were not only present for the podium presentation, but were in fact circulating around the VIP area throughout the race.
The podium presentation stole the limelight, somewhat, from race winner Jolien D'Hoore of Wiggle-Honda in her first race back from a six-week break.
With the eyes of the women's cycling world descending on Britain this week for the Aviva Women's Tour, ITV commentator Ned Boulting insists the podiums here will be a bit more reserved.
Elsewhere, Anna Zivarts showed off her Photoshop skills with this mock-up of Chris Froome celebrating his Critérium du Dauphiné win surrounded by Speedo-d men.
The Aviva Women's Tour starts on Wednesday in Bury St Edmunds.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
-
Tweets of the week: Mikel Landa becomes a meme and how small a couch is too small?
Marlen Reusser gets political and Megan Jastrab is delighted to make an echelon, in our social media roundup
-
Matthew Riccitello is America's new GC star to get excited about: 'He'll do well on big mountains very, very soon'
Getting to know the son of an elite triathlete who is exciting the men's peloton
