Top commentator and retired Australian cycling star Robbie McEwen has apologised for his homophobic comment during the Giro d'Italia coverage.
Australian cycling commentator Robbie McEwen has apologised for his on-air homophobic slur during the Giro d'Italia.
The retired sprint ace and his employer Global Cycling network have issued statements two days after the incident earlier this week during stage 10 of the Giro.
According to several media reports, McEwen will keep his role despite the comment.
As two other commentators returned from a lunch break, one said they had spotted a fudge shop while away from the studio.
"You've gone in the fudge shop and you've consumed it straight away," McEwen replied. "I mean, the fudge packers were wasting their time."
There was no initial reaction from GCN and Eurosport, which is carrying the same commentary feed.
But after growing disquiet on social media, McEwen and his employer were forced to address the slur.
"I unintentionally used an offensive phrase during my commentary on stage 10, and I regret both saying it and not immediately apologising on air," McEwen posted on his Twitter account.
"I'm genuinely sorry for the language I used, and for letting the team down, but mostly I want to say sorry to anyone who I offended."
GCN also apologised on their Twitter account.
"Cycling is a sport for all & everyone should feel welcome," the broadcaster said.
"We chose not to publish stage 10 coverage until an offensive phrase was removed and we apologise to anyone offended during the broadcast.
"The full stage will soon be available in English without this section of commentary."
McEwen is one of Australia's greatest cyclists and won 12 Tour de France stages, as well as taking out the Tour's points classification three times, and also won 12 Giro stages.
He is widely respected as one of the sport's best commentators, but McEwen had a shock split earlier this year from SBS.
McEwen said in January the Australian broadcaster had "axed" him and two months later he joined GCN's commentary team.
