Movistar and UAE regret accident that caused Einer Rubio's crash and withdrawal

Colombian cyclist Einer Rubio was forced to abandon the Tour de France after colliding with the rear of a UAE team car. The accident, which occurred during the queen stage, left Rubio with 20 stitches on his face and became a major talking point among riders and teams.

Movistar and the UAE team management both voiced their regret over the incident. Josean Fernández Matxín, the director of the UAE team who was driving the car, explained that he had to brake suddenly when a spectator fell in front of his vehicle. He stated that the situation unfolded in a fraction of a second amidst crowd chaos, and he only realized the extent of Rubio's injuries after the finish line.

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The difference between Tadej Pogacar and Einer was 7 seconds, and there were two cars between them. In my opinion, that is unacceptable.

"I can only say that I deeply regret what Rubio had to go through. It pains me that my decision to brake hit a cyclist, but everyone's safety depends on what spectators do or don't do," Matxín said, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of spectator behavior.

Meanwhile, a coach, identified as Foerlandts, suggested that errors were made, noting the close proximity of vehicles and the rider. "The difference between Tadej Pogacar and Einer was 7 seconds, and there were two cars between them. In my opinion, that is unacceptable," he commented to Sporza. He acknowledged that preventing every incident is difficult, especially with spectator interference, but stressed the need to find solutions to prevent future accidents.

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I can only say that I deeply regret what Rubio had to go through. It pains me that my decision to brake hit a cyclist, but everyone's safety depends on what spectators do or don't do.