Michael Matthews and Magnus Sheffield have reconciled and each moved on after they clashed on the second stage of the Tour Down Under, eliminating the Australian rider from overall contention and leaving the young American rider to take all the blame.

Matthews sought out Sheffield at the finish after the second stage, and then vented his frustration at losing his chain when they collided in the peloton just as the race exploded.

Matthews had to replace his bike, losing 2:13 and ending his hopes of winning the overall Tour Down Under. He complained of a lack of respect in the modern peloton.

24 hours later, after stage 3, Matthews said he had recovered from the incident, but made it clear that he believed Sheffield was at fault for trying to return to the peloton after being pushed off the road.

"After the stage I was very frustrated. I had a lot of preparation to do to get the opportunity to lead the team in our home race. But today I'm back to work." Matthews, who finished fourth in the stage won by Pero Bilbao and wore the blue points jersey, said.

"I've been a pro long enough that as long as I don't break any bones, I can keep fighting. It's not how far I fall, it's how fast I get back up."

"I talked to him after today's stage. He admitted he made a mistake and was very remorseful. I hope the other riders understand that it's not a good idea to make a move like that. ......" He said.

Sheffield passed Matthews in the podium area at the Tour Down Under. He lost time on stage 3, but is still in fourth place overall by 45 seconds.

Sheffield did not feel entirely sorry for himself, but he did apologize to Matthews.

"I have great respect for Matthews and all that he has accomplished. He's a rider I've looked up to ever since I started this sport," the 20-year-old American said.

"Yesterday I felt it was already settled between us, but today we confirmed it to each other. I'm looking forward to the rest of the week of racing."

Sheffield gave his take on what happened on the lower slopes of Nettle Hill just before the race exploded.

"There were several collisions. I don't think it was Matthew.

"I didn't actually go off the road, I was trying to avoid the gravel and that's when the other rider made contact. I think it happened indirectly. This is part of racing and he understands that."

"I apologized immediately. It's unfortunate that the chain came off. For them this race is like the Tour de France. For me it's like the Tour of California or the US Pro Challenge."

"I'm really sorry, but unfortunately it's part of racing."