- Bernard kissed his wife and son while cycling through his home region of France.
- A Frenchman says he would pay the £175 fine again to experience a unique moment
The International Cycling Union (UCI) has fined French cyclist Julien Bernard 200 Swiss francs (£175) after he stopped to kiss his wife during the seventh stage of the Tour de France time trial.
Fifteen minutes into Friday’s time trial, held in Bernard’s home region of Burgundy, the cyclist stopped to kiss his wife and young son, who were standing on the road among a group of family and friends.
The UCI said in a statement that Bernard’s behaviour had been inappropriate and had damaged the image of the sport.
“I’m sorry, UCI, for damaging the image of this sport,” Bernard said on X. “But I’m willing to pay 200 Swiss francs a day and live this moment again.”
In a television interview, Bernard said that meeting his loved ones had been a unique moment in his career.
French cyclist Julien Bernard was fined for stopping to kiss his wife during the Tour de France
The Frenchman says he would pay the £175 fine again to experience the unique moment
“It was really amazing. My wife has been organizing it with some friends for a few weeks and she has done a really, really good job,” he said.
“In a time trial you have time to enjoy. It’s those moments that keep me going and keep pedalling.”
Davide Ballerini was also fined after stopping early in the race to watch Britain’s Mark Cavendish sprint to his record 35th Tour de France stage win.