GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN, France — French rider Julien Bernard was fined 200 Swiss francs ($223) by the Worldwide Biking Union after he stopped to kiss his spouse through the time-trial seventh stage of the Tour de France.
Fifteen minutes into Friday’s time trial, held in Bernard’s residence area of Burgundy, the rider paused to kiss his spouse and younger son who have been standing within the highway amongst a bunch of household and mates.
The UCI mentioned in a press release that Bernard’s habits had been inappropriate and broken the picture of the game.
“I am sorry UCI for damaging the picture of the game,” Bernard mentioned on X. “However I am keen to pay 200 Swiss francs every single day and expertise this second once more.”
In a tv interview, Bernard mentioned the encounter along with his family members had been a singular second in his profession.
“It was actually unimaginable. My spouse has been organizing this with some mates for a couple of weeks now, and she or he did a extremely, actually good job,” he mentioned. “On a time trial, you could have time to take pleasure in your self. It is these moments that hold me going and biking.”