Retired professional cyclist Robbie McEwen apologized for "offensive language" used during Tuesday's broadcast of stage 10 of the Giro d'Italia.

McEwen, a three-time Tour de France green jersey winner, previously commentated for SBS Australia and joined the Global Cycling Network (GCN) team in early 2022 after being removed from the commentary team.

In a tweet posted just before the finish of stage 12 of the Giro, which he was commentating on live on GCN, McEwen wrote, "I used unintentionally offensive language while commentating on stage 10.

"I am truly sorry for the words I used and for letting the team down.

The phrase came from a conversation during a discussion about the commentator team's lunch, during which he used a phrase that is a common homophobic phrase in reference to food.

McEwen's apology was preceded by one from GCN, which came under criticism for removing the English commentary from GCN's race video on its app shortly after the broadcast.

"Cycling is a sport for all and everyone should be welcome," a tweet sent out Thursday read.

"Until the offensive phrases are removed, we have decided not to publish the live coverage of stage 10. All stages, with the exception of this portion of the commentary, will soon be available in English."