Colombian cyclist Miguel Angel Lopes (Movistar) apologized on Sunday for leaving the Vuelta a España during the penultimate stage on Saturday.
Lopes, who won the 18th stage on Thursday and was third in the overall ranking, lost contact with the main group very early after the attack of the Australian Jack Haig, so he was visibly frustrated that he could not make up the gap and dropped in the standings and left the race for twenty kilometers from the end of the penultimate stage from Sanksenksao to Mos.
"As most of you could see, the moment when there was a split from the leading group, it was a difficult situation that was difficult to resolve," Lopes tried to explain his action on social networks.
The Colombian further explained that it was a hopeless situation and no one wanted to help him catch the leading group.
"My legs are tired and no one at that time wanted to help me cover the difference. It took us a long time to react. There were a lot of officials around, but in the end it makes me sad that the Vuelta ended the way for me," he added Colombian cyclist.
"I decided to give up the battle that was lost. Now I just want to say to the fans, the sponsors, the organizers of La Vuelta - I'm sorry for what happened," he concluded.
The Movistar team eventually announced that they would punish him for leaving the race.
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
