MADRID, July 12, 2011 (AFP) – Team Sky’s Spanish rider Juan Antonio Flecha,
who was hit by an overtaking France TV car during the Tour de France, has
expressed his regret that the driver had not come to say sorry for causing the
accident.

“He hasn’t come to say sorry and I think that if he were to come, I
wouldn’t even talk with him,” Flecha said in comments published by Spanish
newspaper El Pais on Tuesday.

“France TV also did not say sorry to me.”

Flecha and Dutchman Johnny Hoogerland had been part of a five-man breakaway
that was vying for victory in Sunday’s 208km stage from Issoire to Saint-Flour
in the Massif Central.

The pair were hit by the France TV car 35km from home. Vacansoleil rider
Hoogerland was sent somersaulting into a barbed wire fence while Flecha hit
the deck at full speed.

Both riders finished the race, with Hoogerland stepping on to the podium,
in tears, to receive the best climber’s polka dot jersey.

He later had 33 stitches inserted to close deep gashes in his leg.

The car was seen trying to overtake the five-man breakaway but pulling in
prematurely to try and avoid hitting a tree.

Furious Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme said the car had failed
to heed directives on the race’s official radio channel and so was thrown off
the race.

The television company involved did actually apologize for the incident.

“France Television apologies to the riders, the teams and to the ASO
(Amaury Sports Organisation) for the accident during the ninth stage of the
Tour de France which was caused by a technical assistance vehicle covering the
race,” said a statement.

“France Television will respect fully the measures which will be taken by
the ASO to improve safety.”