During the seventh stage time-trial of the Tour de France, Julien Bernard, a French cyclist, received a fine of 200 Swiss francs (equivalent to €205) by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). His offence was stopping mid-race to share a kiss with his wife in his home area, Burgundy, fifteen minutes into the Friday’s time trial.
Bernard’s wife and young son, alongside a group of family members and friends, stood road-side and a brief pause to connect with them earned him the charge. The UCI, in an official statement, described the rider’s action as unsuitable, claiming it tarnished the sport’s reputation.
Bernard responded through a platform known as X, expressing regret for his impact on the sport’s image. However, he did not regret the act, stating he’d happily embrace such a priceless moment again and gladly pay the 200 Swiss francs fine daily.
In an interview on television, the cyclist referred to the encounter with his family as a rare and unforgettable professional moment. He lauded his wife’s efforts in planning the surprise for him, praising it as an outstandingly executed surprise. The time trial instance allowed him to relish the moment, which he stated as one of the factors that keeps him committed to cycling.
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