New Zealand Cyclist Faces 25-Day Ban for On-Race Altercation

The international governing body for cycling has imposed a 25-day suspension on New Zealand rider Kiaan Watts following an incident in which he struck another competitor during a recent event. Watts, 24, was involved in an altercation with Dutch cyclist Marijn Maas on March 7, during the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle race in the Netherlands, with footage of the incident showing Watts punching Maas in the head. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has confirmed that Watts has accepted the penalty, which will see him sidelined until May 2. The UCI stated, 'Kiaan Watts will serve a 25-day suspension, with the one-day team-imposed suspension on March 8 being deducted from the overall suspension period.' In the aftermath of the incident, Watts took to social media to issue an apology, stating that his actions were a result of the heat of the moment. His team, NSN Development Team, also extended an apology for the incident. The team emphasized its expectation for riders to conduct themselves in a sporting and professional manner at all times and apologized to Maas, the BEAT CC/p/b Saxo team, race organizers, and UCI officials.