French cyclist Julien Bernard has been fined 200 Swiss francs (205 euros) 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 this year’s Tour de France ).
Fifteen minutes into Friday’s time trial in Bernard’s hometown of Burgundy, the rider stopped to kiss his wife and young son among family and friends standing on the road.
The UCI said in a statement that Lidl-Trek riders had behaved inappropriately and damaged the image of the sport.
“I’m sorry that the UCI has damaged the image of the sport,” Bernard said in a message posted on X, “but I would pay CHF 200 a day to experience this moment again.”
Bernard said in a television interview that meeting his loved ones was a unique moment in his career. “It’s unbelievable. My wife has been organizing this event with some friends for a few weeks and she’s doing a really, really good job,” he said. “In a time trial you have time to enjoy yourself. It’s these moments that keep me riding.
Belgian Remco Evenepoel won the 23.5km stage through the vineyards of the Côte d’Or as his family watched from the side of the road.
