Marcel Kittel of the Giant Shimano team on his way to winning stage 3 of the Giro d'Italia 2014 into Dublin.

A young Irish cycling fan has apologised to Marcel Kittel for taking a selfie with him after he had collapsed to the ground following his Giro d'Italia stage win.

David McCarthy has been criticised on social media and cycling websites for the photo and has apologised for his actions following the stage in Dublin.

The youngster sent a message to Irish cyclist and Irish Independent diarist Nicolas Roche to apologise for the poorly timed photograph.

Roche posted the message on twitter saying: "I know @davidmccarthy12 he is a nice kid. He has just send me this post to tweet. @marcelkittel."

The message reads: "To marcel and the people I offended by taking the selfie I apologise. I did not think the photo would cause such hate towards me and cause offence.

"I got excited after the finish to see marcel and wanted a photo and in hindsight looking back I understand the time and place was complete wrong. My sincere apologies."

I know @davidmccarthy12 he is a nice kid. He has just send me this post to tweet. @marcelkittel pic.twitter.com/SYhpeHhsZw — Nicholas Roche (@nicholasroche) May 13, 2014

There was massive disappointment for Kittel today, the winner of successive stages in Belfast and Dublin, was forced to withdraw from the Giro d'Italia before the resumption in Italy due to illness.

The 26-year-old Giant-Shimano rider from Germany did not start the 112-kilometre fourth stage from Giovinazzo to Bari in southern Italy following Monday's transfer day from Ireland due to a fever.

Kittel told his team's official website, teamgiantshimano.com: "I am very disappointed about leaving the Giro after such a strong start in good condition, but I do not feel healthy and I am not in the position to start the race in this condition.

"I want to thank my team for their support these past few days and wish them the best of luck for the rest of the race."

Online Editors