“I will miss the race that I’ve built my career around but it goes on,” said Cavendish.

“In regards to the sprint yesterday, unfortunately these things happen in cycling, especially in a chaotic finale, but there are no hard feelings between Peter and I.

“We are friends and he came to apologise after, and called me in the evening as well, so that’s the measure of the man he is. He’s a great world champion and he’s great for the sport, and I think we will both be missed in the Tour de France in the finals.”

However, Cavendish went on to criticise online trolls for abuse received in the aftermath of the crash.

Sagan also took to social media to thank the fans who lined the roadside through the first four stages of the race.

“It’s a sad end of me but thank you for your support, and for the fans we had in Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and also in France.”

Thank you! pic.twitter.com/EjBqrRhYFz

— Peter Sagan (@petosagan) July 5, 2017