Alberto Bettiol apologized for throwing a bidon at a TV station's bike during the second stage of the Tour Down Under on Thursday and told Cycling News he accepts the UCI's decision to fine him and forfeit UCI ranking points.

The incident occurred when the second stage exploded on Nettle Hill. Bettiol suffered cramps and was forced to stop riding due to the pain,

losing any hope of defending the Tour Down Under leader's jersey he had won in the prologue time trial. However, after conferring with officials at the UCI headquarters in Switzerland, the UCI apparently decided overnight to take action.

As a result of Friday's third stage, Bettiol was fined 1,000 Swiss francs and 50 UCI ranking points. As a result, UCI Rule 2.12.007.8.2.2: Assault, threats, insults, inappropriate behavior, or indecent conduct directed at a television motorcycle.

Bettiol regrets throwing Bidon in the heat of the moment.

"I want to apologize for throwing Bidon," he told Cycling News on Friday.

"I'm not that kind of person, and those who know me well know that too. But we're not robots. We're human, and sometimes we get emotional, frustrated, and we make mistakes.

"I accept the UCI judges' punishment. We were lucky not to be disqualified. I think it means that they also recognize that we are human and we make mistakes."

"I think it's a good thing that they are aware of the fact that we are human and we make mistakes.

Bettiol snapped when he was struck by a cramp and was forced to stop pedaling. When the TV station's motorcycle stopped beside him, he first instructed the driver to move away, then threw a bidet in the bike's direction.

"I try to control my emotions during the race, but I lost the Tour Down Under leader's jersey and that moment was disappointing," Bettyall explained.

"I didn't want to hurt or offend anyone and it was an impulsive gesture. When the motorcycle stopped next to me, I waved them away. [I want to publicly apologize to the bike driver, the photographer, the race, the team and my teammates.