Bob Jungels (Deceuninck-Quick Step) expressed regret that Sergio Iguita (EF Pro Cycling) had to abandon the Tour de France, but insisted that the Colombian's crash on stage 15 was "part of the sport."

The Luxembourg rider also fell after being hit by an ambulance late in Sunday's stage.

Jungels was attempting to form a breakaway group on Sunday when he was swept off the front of the lead group, dislodging Higuchi's front wheel. Higuchi got back on his bike, but shortly thereafter he crashed again while trying to get back into the peloton, forcing him to abandon the race in tears due to a suspected broken hand.

"We were fighting for the break and I was in the lead, but at one point I decided to give the turn to Sergio. Before I knew it he was on my right and the others told me he was looking back at that point. Crashes like that are always disappointing, but it's part of the sport," Jungels said at the finish line of the Grand Colombier.

"After the attack, I was swept off to the right. I couldn't see him on the right side. Unfortunately, I think I hit his front wheel. I don't know what to say."

Jonathan Vaughters, who manages EF Pro Cycling, tweeted that he was not happy with Jungels, but the rider himself did not feel he was at fault, even if he deeply regretted the outcome of the collision.

"Swinging off to let another rider get in front is what I usually do. 'I didn't see him on the right side and I'm really sorry if I did something wrong. I'm very sorry

"I feel really bad for him. I talked to his teammates afterwards, and I didn't even know if it was my fault or not. I also talked to (Rigoberto) Uran and (Jens) Keukerer. At the end of the day there's not much I can do, but I'm really sorry."

Jungels was knocked to the ground late in the stage after contact with an ambulance, but he returned to his bike and finished the stage in 43rd place.

"An ambulance came from behind and hit me. It was bad luck. It was bad luck.