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Friends and family of French cyclist Julien Bernard gathered on a hill to welcome him home as the Tour de France passed his home during Friday’s stage in Burgundy. Authorities said he received a somewhat too warm welcome.
The festivities went too far for the race commissioners of the International Cycling Union (UCI), who were responsible for imposing general rules during races.
As a large crowd outside Nuits-Saint-Georges chanted Bernard’s name, he paused to embrace and kiss his wife Margot, who was holding their child Charles in her arms.
“I have been waiting for this moment since the route was announced last October,” he told local newspaper Le Bien Public.
“You only experience a moment like this once in your life, and even if I get a fine for it.”
The fine of 200 Swiss francs ($330) imposed by the UCI was “for conduct damaging to the image of the sport”.
“My wife had made sure that everyone could come to me at that point in the race and I wanted to show her my gratitude and thank her,” said the 32-year-old.
Authorities were more concerned about the behavior of his friends, who incited the large crowd and threatened the security barrier, while locals chanted “Lalalala Julien Bernard.”
Bernard finished 61st on the day, three minutes and 11 seconds slower than winner Remco Evenepoel.
This year’s Tour de France started in Florence, Italy on June 29. The Tour ends in Nice, France on July 21.
