German cyclist Marcel Kittel won the first stage of the Tour de France on Saturday, after several of his competitors crashed out of the 132-mile race in Corsica. The 25-year-old cyclist, who rides for the Argos-Shimano team, gleefully tweeted about his victory in the wake of the race.
"I don't know what to say. I will remember today forever. Thanks to my team mates (!!), family, friends and fans! This win is for you all!" Kittel said in his first tweet after the win.
He followed it up with a moment of recognition for the men who crashed out of the race.
"I hope all the guys that crashed today are ok. Really sad to hear that my friend @tonymartin85 crashed so bad & is out. Get well soon Tony!!" he tweeted.
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Kittel continued over the weekend:
Had goosebumps today with all the spectators screaming my name. I could feel the magic & the history of the yellow jersey on my shoulders.
— Marcel Kittel (@marcelkittel) June 30, 2013
My smile is bigger than my face when I think about todays stage again. Absolutely insane! You guys rock and made me forget the pain!
— Marcel Kittel (@marcelkittel) June 30, 2013Advertisement
“@gbroekhuizen: #TeamArgosShimano & Yellow @1t4i @marcelkittel @letour pic.twitter.com/X4s7L5fwVc” Cool as iceeeee!!!
— Marcel Kittel (@marcelkittel) June 30, 2013
As VeloNews pointed out, Kittel has also used Twitter to criticize fellow cyclists who have defended disgraced competitor Lance Armstrong in the wake of his doping scandal.Yellow rocks!!! http://t.co/51GHELZbnV
— Marcel Kittel (@marcelkittel) June 30, 2013
“I feel SICK when I read that Contador, Sanchez and Indurain still support Armstrong. How does someone want to be credible by saying that?”
“I mean, it makes it all worse. They should play their false game somewhere else. Or do they ride for money instead of joy?” he said.