Simon Gerrans is happy Mark Cavendish apologised for causing the crash that brought him down in the Tour de France's opening stage but says words won't ease the disappointment of missing out on a chance to wear yellow.
The Australian national champion had targeted Sunday's second stage into Sheffield but struggled as a result of his injuries, including bruised ribs.
Italian champion Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) took the win and the yellow jersey after a daring late break from an elite group that contained all the pre-race favourites.
After finishing almost two minutes off the pace, Gerrans (Orica-GreenEDGE) was asked if the apology from Cavendish (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) took some of the sting out of his disappointment.
"No because I'm going to be stinging for several more days to come actually," he told reporters.
"I'm in a lot of pain just getting through the stages.
"At the end of the day it's nice that he acknowledged it was his fault, but it doesn't really take much of the pain away from what could have been a great couple of opportunities for myself."
Cavendish - who's out of the race with a dislocated collarbone - admitted he'd "tried to find a gap that wasn't really there".
GreenEDGE sports director Matt White on Sunday said it was disappointing the sport's governing body didn't take any action against the British sprint sensation.
White said fellow director Neil Stephens "went and had a word to them this morning just for an explanation and they didn't really have one".
Gerrans revealed he felt "really rough" at the start of Sunday's stage but felt okay midway through the 201km.
"I was starting to become a little bit hopeful for the final," he said.
"But then in the final, when we were really punching up those steep climbs, I just really lacked the strength to go with the guys. The effect of yesterday's crash was really taking it out of me."
It wasn't all bad news for GreenEDGE, however, with Michael Albasini securing a sixth place on Sunday.
White said the result proved the Swiss rider was in great form and he'd now be "let off the leash" like in 2013 when he came close to snaring a stage.
The Australian team is now targeting the six consecutive hilly stages that begin with Friday's run into Nancy back in France.
Gerrans and Albasini will both be protected riders.
"There's a heck of a lot of racing to come so I've really got to hope now that in a couple of days I heal up and start to feel a little bit better," Gerrans said.
Tasmanian Richie Porte (Sky) on Sunday finished safely in the leading bunch of 21.
He'd earlier crashed with 65km remaining but chased back on after a bike change.
The performance proves the 29-year-old is on track for a high general classification result even while helping teammate Chris Froome defend his title.
The Tour travels from Cambridge to London on Monday.
White said the huge crowds in Yorkshire were "bonkers" and he's expecting more of the same in the capital.
"You could put a club race on in London and you'd still get a big crowd. It will be crazy tomorrow."
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