This kiss came with a cost.
French cyclist Julien Bernard was fined 200 Swiss francs (roughly $223) by the International Cycling Union for stopping to kiss his wife during the time-trial seventh stage of the Tour de France on Friday.
The race took place in Bernard’s French hometown of Burgundy, and fans showered him as he came through one stretch 15 minutes in.
That’s when Bernard briefly veered off the road to greet his wife and young son.
Bernard and his wife shared a brief kiss.
The UCI said in a statement that Bernard’s behavior had been “inappropriate and damaged the image of the sport.”
Bernard apologized afterward.
“I’m sorry UCI for damaging the image of the sport,” Bernard wrote on X. “But I’m willing to pay 200 Swiss francs every day and experience this moment again.”
Bernard later revealed in a television interview how much the moment meant to him.
“It was really incredible,” Bernard said. “My wife has been organizing this with some friends for a few weeks now, and she did a really, really good job.
“On a time trial, you have time to enjoy yourself. It’s these moments that keep me going and cycling.”
