TV chef Martin makes apology for anti-cyclist article

James Martin has made a public apology for comments he made against cyclists in an article in the Mail on Sunday.

The apology appeared on Tuesday afternoon on Martin's website.

"May I take this opportunity to apologise for any offence I have caused through the article in last weekend's Mail on Sunday," wrote Martin.

"It was never my intention to offend the many cyclists who share our roads across the country. What was intended to be a humorous piece was clearly misjudged. Further more I do not condone any form of reckless driving."

"Once again, I am sincerely sorry for any upset caused in relation to this article. James Martin"

The TV chef and motoring journalist had caused a torrent of complaints - and abuse - from the cycling community after he wrote about his hatred of cyclists, and that he had taken his revenge by running several off the road.

"God, I hate those cyclists. Every last herbal tea-drinking, Harriet Harman-voting one of them," wrote Martin

"Twenty minutes into my test drive I pulled round a leafy bend, enjoying the birdsong - and spotted those damned Spider-Man cyclists. Knowing they wouldn't hear me coming, I stepped on the gas, waited until the split second before I overtook them, then gave them an almighty blast on the horn at the exact same time I passed them at speed."

"The look of sheer terror as they tottered into the hedge was the best thing I've ever seen in my rear-view mirror. I think this could be the car for me."

The comments were made in a review of a Tesla electric-powered sports car. Cycling stars Bradley Wiggins and Robbie McEwen had joined the angry reaction to Martin's article.

As a result of complaints, the Mail removed the offending final paragraph from the online version of the article.