'Bored' cyclist recalled to the podium after Turkish President's lengthy speech

British cyclist Mark Cavendish was recalled back to the stage after leaving during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an?s speech at an award ceremony in Istanbul.

At the last stage ceremony of the 51st Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey, Erdo?an gave a lengthy speech.

Cavendish, however, wanted to leave the podium during Erdo?an?s speech, which apparently took longer than he expected. In response, Erdo?an?s security guards pulled Cavendish aside and eventually redirected him back to the podium after his vain attempt to leave the stage.

At a press meeting, Cavendish declined to comment on a question regarding his ?nervousness? at the time, as he waited on the podium for more than 10 minutes.

The Turkish presidency, meanwhile, ruled out any allegations about the incident via its Twitter account.

?Mark Cavendish, who ranked second in the tour, did not leave; rather [he] was recalled to the podium since he was awarded in two different categories,? the statement said.

The Turkish presidency also shared a tweet quoting Cavendish comments about his contentment being in Turkey made during a conversation with Erdo?an.

The incident immediately became a trending topic on social media.