French cyclist Julien Bernard found himself in hot water after a heartwarming moment with his family during the Tour de France led to a fine from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The incident occurred during the seventh stage of the race as Bernard’s loved ones showed up to support him in his hometown of Burgundy.
Videos circulating on social media captured the touching scene of Bernard riding through a crowd of fans, where his wife and son awaited him. He took a moment to share a kiss with them before continuing on his way. However, the UCI later announced a fine of $223 for what they deemed as “inappropriate behavior” and damage to the sport’s image.
Despite the penalty, Bernard took to social media to address the situation, expressing his willingness to pay the fine every day just to relive that special moment. In an interview following the race, he praised his wife for organizing the surprise, highlighting the importance of such moments in keeping him motivated in his cycling journey.
Bernard’s gesture of affection towards his family may have landed him in trouble with the UCI, but it also showcased the human side of athletes and the support system that drives them to succeed. It serves as a reminder that behind every athlete, there is a network of loved ones cheering them on and contributing to their success.