An emotional Alberto Bettiol apologized to his EF Education-EasyPost teammates and staff for missing out on victory on the stage to Mende. The Tuscan rider expressed great disappointment in finishing second behind Michael Matthews (BikeExchange-Jayco), even though he felt the victory was his in the last 2km.

Bettiol was forced to apologize for appearing to attack from the peloton when his teammate Nielson Powles was in the breakaway group on the cobbled stage to Wallers. He wanted to make amends and show his true talent after two difficult seasons.

"After five hours on the bike, a victory can be just a few seconds away," Bettiol said after the finish.

"I promised everyone on this team, everyone who puts in a big effort for us, that I would go for another win. I'm frustrated for myself, for them, and for everyone who believes in me."

"Ulan wanted to help me. So I'm sorry that a great rider like him, even my roommate, trusted me. It would have been great to win for him and for the great team." Bettiol also showed his sportsmanship in defeat and congratulated Matthews. I think Matthews deserved this win. He attacked with 52km to go. Matthews attacked with 52km to go. He noted, "It was an uphill finish and I didn't make it.

Bettiol caught up with Matthews from the chase group, who left his two companions behind on the 10.3% climb to the Mende airfield. But then he was caught by Matthews at the top and attacked to take the solo win.

"When the three of them got away, I thought I had lost my chance. But in the end I came back out there. This is the Tour. There are ups and downs, good times and bad times," explained Bettiol.

"Then Matthews jumped on me on the last jump. I got close to him and attacked him right away and I thought I got rid of him. But he's a great rider who knows how to fight back. He deserved the win." Bettiol won the 2019 Tour of Flanders but is suffering from serious health issues and COVID-19 in 2021 and early 2022.

The Italian ended his 2021 season early due to chronic ulcerative colitis. After special treatment he was able to fully enjoy winter training, but COVID-19 interrupted his spring campaign.

He is now back to his best and looks forward to the remainder of the Tour de France and the 2022 season. The Tour is not over yet."

"I'm optimistic about the remaining stages and especially after the Tour. It's been a really hard year. I've had some health issues and I'm finally feeling better."

"I'm looking forward to the Tour.

"The Directeur Sportif and my teammates trust me. I want to do something to repay them this Tour or this season. The season is not over and the Tour de France is not over. I am disappointed, but also a little bit happy."