WATCH: Mark Cavendish elbowed in horrific crash during sprint finish

Mark Cavendish appears to have been elbowed during stage four of the sprint finish in the Tour de France.

The Englishman has been badly hurt after a collision with Peter Sagan who looks to have deliberately knocked the 32-year-old off his bike.

Mark Cavendish has had better days… 💥🚴‍♂️ #TourDeFrance pic.twitter.com/45K7wLOYYS

— Oddschecker (@Oddschecker) July 4, 2017

Cavendish required immediate medical attention, and the early suggestions are that the cyclist has broken his shoulder.

It’s been reported that both Cavendish and Sagan share a very good relationship, which makes what looks like a deliberate elbow all the more confusing.

Cavendish is renowned for his fearless riding, particularly when it comes to the sprint finish, and the defence for Sagan will immediately suggest why the Englishman was attempting to pass at such a tight angle.

However, there seems a genuine attempt in the footage from Sagan to derail his fellow rider.

No gap for Cavendish pic1. Falls pic 2. Sagan elbow out but no contact Cab well down by then. #TourdeFrance pic.twitter.com/4fwgKwz2wf

— Simon Bird (@SimonBird_) July 4, 2017

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Sagan himself is up to second in the general classification, following finishing second in this sprint finish of stage four.

However, this could see the end of the Tour de France for Cavendish who is likely to have to have major surgery following the worst crash yet this year.

We’re sure the collision could bring some penalty points to Sagan, as the crash is closely inspected in the next few hours.