Organiser apologises for bikini-clad podium girls at Belgian women's race

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.