Julien Bernard penalized for pausing to share a kiss with spouse amidst Tour de France time trial event

A French cyclist, Julien Bernard, received a fine of 200 Swiss francs (€205) from the International Cycling Union (UCI). The incident occurred during stage seven's time trial in Burgundy when Bernard briefly stopped to greet his wife and two-year-old son who were present among family members.

Bernard encountered an unexpected gathering of loved ones while participating in the race, which took place fifteen minutes into Friday's event. The UCI expressed that this interruption was not fitting for professional conduct, thereby affecting the sport’s image.

Expressing his regret over the incident to X, Bernard acknowledged the need to uphold the integrity of the competition and indicated a willingness to accept the fine without further comment on its amount or daily payment terms. In subsequent discussions, he emphasized that this personal moment with family was unforgettable, highlighting the support his wife received in organizing such an event for him during the race.