EF Education-Nippo announced that it has reached a mutual agreement with Colombian rider Sergio Iguita, who apologized for riding the wrong bike at a public event, and that the contract will not be terminated early.

After being photographed riding a Specialized road bike in Bora-Hansgrohe's custom colors at a Giro de Rigo event in Colombia, the American team earlier this week terminated Iguita, who will join Bora-Hansgrohe next season The team sent a notice. The climber is still under contract with EF Education-Nippo and would have been riding a Cannondale.

EF Education-Nippo said at the time that the transfer "lacks respect for the partners who support him today," but that it would work with Higuita to find an amicable solution.

Higuchi now admits that he made a mistake and has ceased any action to shorten his time on the team.

"The team has reached a mutual agreement with Sergio Higuita regarding the recent problems at the Giro de Rigo and will not terminate his contract early," EF Education-Nippo said in a statement to Cycling News late Tuesday.

"He has been a steadfast teammate and a positive presence on and off the road. We wish Sergio all the best in his future endeavors."

It is not uncommon for riders to privately test new equipment before a new season or before moving to a new team, but the use of this equipment in such a public setting prompted the team to take action.

"We would like to apologize to all sponsors and teams. But I do not want to leave the team in this way and remember my time here," Higuita said.

The 24-year-old Higuita will leave the team after his third season with EF Education Nippon, joining the team in May 2019 from Continental team Fundacion Euskadi, where he won a stage at the Vuelta a España and finished second overall at that year's Tour of California He quickly stepped up his game, finishing second overall at the Tour of California in 2020, finishing third in Paris-Nice, and this year he was involved in a breakaway on a stage at the Tour de France, finishing third. He also finished in the top 10 four times in the French Grand Tour.

"I was able to help my teammates to the best of my ability, win beautiful races, and make lasting friends with the staff and riders," Higuita said.