Tour de France cyclist Julien Bernard fined for kissing wife and son

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French cyclist Julien Bernard was fined £175 by the International Cycling Union (UCI) after he tried to kiss his wife during the time trial of stage 7 of the Tour de France.

Fifteen minutes into Friday’s time trial in Burgundy, Bernard paused to kiss his wife and young son, who were standing on the road with a group of family and friends.

The UCI said in a statement that Bernard’s behaviour was inappropriate and damaged the image of the sport.

“I regret to the UCI that I have damaged the image of the sport,” Bernard said on X.

“But I am willing to pay 200 Swiss francs every day and relive this moment.”

In a television interview, Bernard said that meeting his loved ones was a unique moment in his career.

“It was really incredible. My wife has been organizing this for a few weeks with some friends and she did a really great job,” he said. “During a time trial you have time to enjoy yourself. It’s these moments that keep me going and keep me cycling.”

Danish cyclist Magnus Cort responded to Bernard’s post with a video of him kissing his wife and said: “What a joke. I guess I was lucky that they missed me a few days ago.”