The sport's governing body doesn't realize these moments are actually priceless
Julien Bernard is out about $200 but will have an incredible memory for the rest of life and he seems quite alright with that trade off.
While riding in the time-trial seventh stage of the 2024 Tour de France, Bernard was racing through the streets of his native Burgundy when friends and family all came out onto the street to quite literally embrace the Lidl–Trek cyclist.
When Bernard spotted his wife and child among the crowd, he couldn’t help but stop to give a smooch. And who could blame him? This really looked like such a beautiful moment of a hometown celebrating its hero.
Amazing scenes for Julien Bernard with incredible fan support and stopping with his family during the time trial.#TDF2024
: Peacock pic.twitter.com/FjIhSOWtjx
— NBC Sports Cycling (@NBCSCycling) July 5, 2024
Well, the Union Cycliste Internationale which oversees the race didn’t think the encounter was so charming, fining Bernard 200 Swiss francs (or $223 U.S.) for “unseemly or inappropriate behavior during the race and damage to the image of sport.”
Bernard’s response? 200 Swiss francs well worth it. The cyclist mocked the fine on X/Twitter writing in French that he was sorry for having “damaged the image of sport” but “I am willing to pay 200CHF every day and relive this moment”.
Et désolé @UCI_cycling d’avoir porté dommage à l’image du Sport
Mais je veux bien payer 200CHF tous les jours et revivre ce moment
pic.twitter.com/lF5g7oViyx
— Julien Bernard (@JulienBernard17) July 5, 2024
That also led to a great exchange between Bernard and competitor Magnus Cort, who committed the exact same crime in the same race and got away with it.
Actually that was two kisses so you should get double fines
— Julien Bernard (@JulienBernard17) July 6, 2024
Let this be a warning to everyone who races the Tour de France in the future: Only appear to enjoy the experience if you’re sure the broadcast isn’t showing you.
