Julien Bernard costs 200 francs for a kiss at the Tour de France. The cycling world federation UCI considers the Frenchman's behavior during the individual time trial on Friday to be an offence and fines him. Cycling fans cannot understand the decision.
06.07.2024, 13:33
07.07.2024, 14:34
SDA
It is a heart-warming moment captured by the TV cameras at this year's Tour de France: On the climb in Curley, not far from his home in Dijon, French professional cyclist Julien Bernard stops briefly to kiss his wife and young son, who are lining the route in a huge group of fans with family and friends.
The stop lasts just a few seconds and touches numerous cycling fans online. "What a moment. Pure quality," enthuses one user on the "X" platform. Others are also delighted by the heart-warming scene. "We have some of the best athletes in the world with an incredible story and great fans."
The incident was met with less joy by the International Cycling Union (Union Cycliste Internationale). The UCI described the behavior as inappropriate and spoke of damage to the image of the sport. Bernard apologized, but also said: "I would pay the 200 francs again at any time to relive that moment. I knew that my wife and friends would organize something on the climb. It was a dream moment. I enjoyed it."
Anger and incomprehension online
On the "X" platform, numerous cycling fans complained about the UCI's decision following the fine.
"If this sport thrives on moments like this, why does it have to be penalized for it?" one user gets annoyed. Someone else wrote to the UCI: "Ruining the image of the sport? Take a look in the mirror!"
Other cycling fans think the federation should be ashamed of this decision.
