The French rider Julien Bernard has been fined 200 Swiss francs (£175) by the International Cycling Union (UCI) after he stopped to kiss his wife and two-year-old son during the time trial on stage seven of the Tour de France. Fifteen minutes into Friday’s time trial, held in Bernard’s home region of Burgundy, Bernard paused to kiss his wife and young son who were standing in the road among a group of family and friends.
The UCI said the Lidl-Trek rider’s behaviour had been inappropriate and damaged the image of the sport.
All the love for Julien Bernard 🥰@lidltrek #TDF2024 pic.twitter.com/b34LEYwgJN
— Eurosport (@eurosport) July 5, 2024
���I’m sorry UCI for damaging the image of the sport,” Bernard said on X. “But I’m willing to pay 200 Swiss francs every day and experience this moment again.”
Bernard said the encounter with his loved ones had been a unique moment in his career. ���It was really incredible. My wife has been organising this with some friends for a few weeks now,” he said. “On a time trial, you have time to enjoy yourself. It’s these moments that keep me going and cycling.”
Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel won the 23.5km stage on a rolling course through the vineyards of the Cote d’Or, watched by his family at the roadside.