The team have described Cavendish's gesture aimed at certain sections of the press , as 'an inappropriate action' as he won stage two of the race in Switzerland on Thursday.
Cavendish has separately issued his own apology stating "I apologize to everybody watching the race and especially the kids. I am not proud of releasing my feelings in that way. I hope I can redeem myself and show my feelings and passion for cycling with results rather than with gestures such as the one yesterday."
He has been fined by UCI commissaries today and his prize money from the win has been given to the international charity Right To Play.
Saxo Bank's Richie Porte won the stage three time trial, meaning that HTC Colombia rider Michael Rogers leads the General Classification.
Picture copyright of Covsupport News Service. Credit CNS/KM