French cyclist Julien Bernard, a member of the Lidl-Trek team, has issued a light-hearted apology after receiving a fine for kissing his wife during stage seven of the Tour de France time trial. The International Cycling Union (UCI) imposed a fine of 200 Swiss francs ($223; £174) on Bernard for what they deemed “unseemly or inappropriate behavior during the race and damage to the image of the sport.”
UCI’s justification for the fine
The governing body clarified that the fine was due to Bernard’s brief stop during the race to share a kiss with his wife, an action they considered detrimental to the sport’s image. Despite this, Bernard took to social media to express his willingness to pay the fine “every day and relive this moment,” while apologizing to the UCI for any perceived damage.
The Incident During Stage Seven
Stage seven of the Tour de France, a 23.3km (14.5 miles) time trial through the renowned wine region of Burgundy, is one of two time trials in the race. According to Cycling News, Bernard was just 30 minutes from his home when he encountered his supporters. As he reached the top of a climb, friends holding signs ran towards him, and his wife, holding their son dressed in a replica cycling kit, stepped forward to give him a quick kiss.
This isn’t the first instance of a cyclist being fined for a similar act during the race. Italian cyclist Davide Ballerini received the same fine earlier in the Tour for stopping to watch Britain’s Mark Cavendish sprint to a record-breaking 35th Tour de France stage victory.
Bernard’s reflection on the moment
In a television interview following the stage, Bernard reflected on the unique moment, noting that he had pushed hard earlier in the stage to ensure he had enough time for the encounter. “It was really incredible. My wife has been organising this with some friends for a few weeks now and she did a really, really good job,” he said. “On a time trial, you have time to enjoy yourself. It’s these moments that keep me going and cycling.”
The incident has sparked a discussion within the cycling community about the balance between maintaining professional standards and appreciating personal moments during intense competitions. Bernard’s candid response and the support from his fans highlight the human side of the sport, even amidst the rigorous demands of the Tour de France.