Grow Up and Get On With Racing

Ian Wright (Arsenal legend) tells a story of how, after being sent off whilst playing for West Ham, Harry Redknapp went over to him and said, "You don't have to do that, you're Ian Wright," meaning that given the former electrician's talent he didn't need to behave like a child sent to the naughty step.

It's worth recalling Harry's wise words on the day that HTC-Colombia have withdrawn Mark Cavendish from the Tour de Romandie for making an "obscene gesture" following his stage two victory on Thursday. I suppose if some people got their way the Labour Party would have withdrawn Gordon Brown for doing the same thing.

Cav released a statement on Friday, why can't they do it in person to the people they have offended, apologising for making a V-sign aimed at his critics as he crossed the finish line on Thursday.

"I want to publicly apologise for the gesture," Cavendish said from within the team bus.

Team Colombia decided that what he had done wasn't so much 'flicking the V's' as making 'inappropriate actions". Of course the cynical would ask why he wasn't withdrawn on Thursday night rather than wait until after Friday's time trial - where Cavendish finished in 139th place - confirming they had withdrawn him from the race.

Cav had said on Thursday: "It's to say I'm back, I've proved I have not lost my talent, contrary to what has been said and written."

But why did he feel the need to prove that? Okay so compared to the same stage of last season he's not had a great time of it but we all know about the teeth problems and to be honest nobody would have minded if this season was about easing himself back in.

"I did want to make a statement to my critics but I realise that making a rude gesture on the finish line is not the best way to do that. I apologise to everybody watching the race and especially the kids. I am not proud of releasing the feelings in that way."

Great racers, like the rest of us, have different personalities and at the moment Cav can't decide whether he wants to be Mr Nice or Mr Angry, personally I'd prefer him to be Mr Keeps his hands on the bike and wins races.