So, if Rooney did this after scoring a goal it would be hilarious? Collingwood after scoring a ton? Or Paula Radcliffe after winning a marathon?
A couple of years ago, Gary Neville scored a winning goal for Man United against Liverpool, then charged the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of Liverpool fans.
As a Liverpool fan, I was hopping mad at the time. But on reflection, I found it hilarious. And I kind of respected him for it - it's an act of pure passion that shows how much he loves his club and how much he hates Liverpool. Which is exactly what you'd want from your players if you're a Man United fan. And if it had been the other way round, Jamie Carragher scoring and making a similar gesture to Man U fans, I would have loved every second of it.
I love Cav. I think he's brilliant for the sport. Any rider that can show as much passion for winning as him is only going to motivate young up-and-coming cyclists. Brad Wiggins has had his moments of madness too. It's the fire in their bellies that makes them winners. They can't all be St Christopher of Hoy and you've got to have some perspective about these things. By all means fine him because yes, his gesture was "inappropriate", but chucking him out of the race is an over-reaction.
It's also a hollow gesture by HTC given his overall standing in the race, and the fact that it's a relatively minor event. Would they do the same if it were the TdF and he was in green?
d.