A cyclist has apologised to a fellow competitor following a violent incident which took place at the Longsjo Classic in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, just after the men crossed the finish line. In the video, Jerome Townsend, a former nude model, can be seen punching Dave Warner as he lies on the ground in an incident that is currently being investigated by USA Cycling.

Neither man required medical attention, but The Sentinel and Enterprise reports that both riders were spoken to by police. They concluded that it was a matter better left for USA Cycling and Townsend could face several penalties, including a suspension.

However, USA Cycling say that as well as the incident caught on camera, they will also look into what preceded it, raising the possibility that Warner too could be sanctioned. Longsjo Classic race director, Allan Cote, said: "There was some bumping going on, which sometimes happens. Apparently this time it was a little more aggressive than usual."

Despite an apology, Townsend's team, BikeReg Elite Cycling, have fired the rider. On his Facebook page, Townsend wrote:

“I, Jerome Townsend, would like to apologize for my actions following the 2015 Fitchburg Longsjo Classic Criterium. I acted in a way that is detrimental to my team, and my sport. I hope that people do not blame my team (BikeReg.com Elite Cycling Team), the race or its staff, or the city of Fitchburg in general for my actions as it was me who acted poorly.”

Townsend recently graduated from Clark University with a degree in physics, but has previously worked as a nude model. Interviewed by Worcester Magazine in July 2014, he said that cycling had helped him become comfortable with his body. "I am comfortable with my body, and I think that part of that comfort comes from years of professional cycling and having to change literally wherever and whenever."

This is far from being the first occasion when two racing cyclists have come to blows and scuffles have even been seen at elite level. Last year, Gianluca Brambilla and Ivan Rovny were kicked off the Vuelta a Espana for a bout of mid-stage fisticuffs in which they carried on at each other for a good 30 seconds or so, even while cycling along.