Julian Bernard had a fantastic homecoming Friday. During the seventh stage time trial of the Tour de France in Bernard’s home region of Burgundy, the French cyclist captivated the local crowd and gave his wife and son a pricey hug.
Bernard was fined 200 Swiss francs ($223) by the International Cycling Union (UCI) for stopping to kiss his family, citing what the governing body considered “disgraceful or inappropriate behavior during the race and damage to the bicycle” Image of an Athlete.” sports. “
The kiss drew loud applause from hundreds of local fans, and just like in the movie, Bernard pushed up a steep hill with one arm raised as his friends and family packed the stadium, patting him on the back and waving. Wearing slogans and playing musical instruments.
In the center of the group was his smiling wife holding their son.
Julien Bernard’s highlight reel was met by incredible fan support and stopped by with his family during the time trial.#TDF2024 📺：Peacock pic.twitter.com/FjIhSOWtjx
— NBC Sports Cycling (@NBCSCycling) July 5, 2024
Bernard accepted the fine in a joking manner on social media.
“I’m sorry that the UCI has damaged the image of sport,” Bernard wrote on X, “but I would pay 200 (francs) a day to relive this moment.”
Belgian Remco Evenepoel ultimately won the hilly 23.5 km (14.6 mi) stage.
Bernard’s time was 32 minutes and 03 seconds, which was the 61st fastest time in the stage. His Lidl-Trek teammate Giulio Ciccone finished 41st on the stage with a time of 31 minutes and 19 seconds.
Another Lidl-Trek teammate, Toms Skujins, responded to Bernard’s fine with similar sarcasm and confusion.
UCI does UCI things
😂 pic.twitter.com/VFrIDWYL2I— Tom Scoggins (@Tomashuuns) July 5, 2024
“I know my wife and my friends did some things on the climb and I’m looking forward to meeting them,” Bernard said in an interview after the trial, later adding, “I want to be with my friends It was a dream moment for me to have fun with everyone.
“In a time trial you have time to enjoy yourself. It’s these moments that keep me riding.
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(Photo: Dario Bellingari/Getty Images)
