UCI Fines French Cyclist for Kissing Wife and Son During Tour de France

French cyclist Julien Bernard was fined $223 by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) for "unseemly or inappropriate behavior" after he stopped to kiss his wife and son during the seventh stage of the Tour de France.

French cyclist Julien Bernard's heartwarming moment with his family during the Tour de France turned sour after he was fined $223 by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

The incident occurred during the seventh stage of the Tour de France on Friday, as Bernard's friends and family came out to support him as the race traveled through the Burgundy region, where he is from.

UCI Fines French Cyclist for Kissing Wife and Son During Tour de France

Videos on social media show Bernard slowly riding through a crowded street as fans cheered enthusiastically for him. In the middle of all the mayhem, Bernard's wife emerged holding their son.

Bernard stopped to kiss his wife and son, and carried on. However, the UCI later released a statement announcing that Bernard had been fined $223 dollars for "unseemly or inappropriate behavior during the race and damage to the image of sport," The Athletic reported.

UCI Fines French Cyclist for Kissing Wife and Son During Tour de France

Bernard responded to the news on social media, seemingly unbothered.

"I'm sorry UCI for damaging the image of the sport," Bernard said on X. "But I'm willing to pay 200 Swiss francs every day and experience this moment again."

UCI Fines French Cyclist for Kissing Wife and Son During Tour de France

According to Reuters, Bernard said in an interview after the race that his wife had organized the whole day.

"It was really incredible. My wife has been organizing 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 UCI's decision to fine Bernard has been met with mixed reactions from the cycling community and fans alike. Some have criticized the UCI for being too strict, while others have defended the decision, arguing that it is important to maintain a professional image in the sport.

Regardless of the UCI's ruling, Bernard's moment with his family will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most heartwarming moments of this year's Tour de France. It is a reminder that cycling is not just about winning and losing, but also about the special moments that can be shared along the way.

In a statement released after the incident, the UCI said that it "respects the right of riders to express their emotions during competition, but it is important to do so in a way that does not compromise the safety of others or damage the image of the sport."

The UCI also said that it is "committed to working with riders and teams to ensure that cycling remains a sport that is enjoyed by all."