FITCHBURG, Mass. — A professional cyclist has publicly apologized for punching a rival after a race in Massachusetts.

A video captured by The Sentinel & Enterprise shows Jerome Townsend punching Dave Warner as he sat on the ground with his arms up to defend himself after last weekend’s Longsjo Classic in Fitchburg.

Race director Allan Cote says there was some bumping during Sunday’s race.

The United States Cycling Federation is investigating the altercation. Neither man required medical attention.

Townsend said he “acted in a way that is detrimental to my team,” and “it was me who acted poorly.”

Townsend’s contract with the BikeReg Elite Cycling team was terminated. He could also face penalties from USA Cycling.

Fitchburg police are not pursuing charges, saying both men expressed a desire for race officials to handle the incident.


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