Cyclist Peter Sagan sorry for pinching bottom of podium girl

CYCLIST Peter Sagan has apologised in a video message for pinching the bottom of a flower girl while they were on the podium.

CYCLIST Peter Sagan has apologised in a video message for pinching the bottom of a flower girl while they were on the podium at the Ronde of Flanders classic.

Sagan, who was second, could not keep his left hand to himself when Maja Leye kissed winner Fabian Cancellara on Sunday. With a smile, he theatrically touched her bottom.

He says in a video message: "'I am so sorry and I hope that Maja and anyone else I have offended knows how sorry I am. I promise to act more respectfully in the future."

Sagan, 23, knows the victory drill very well. After the winner mounts the podium, two women move in to kiss his face at the same time. The runner-up and third-place finisher usually stand and watch.