Cyclist Faces Suspension for Physical Altercation During Competition

The governing body of world cycling has imposed a 25-day ban on New Zealand cyclist Kiaan Watts following an incident in which he physically assaulted a fellow competitor during a recent race. Footage from the event, which took place on March 7 in the Netherlands, clearly shows Watts, 24, punching Dutch cyclist Marijn Maas in the head. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has confirmed that Watts has accepted the suspension, which will remain in effect until May 2. The UCI stated, "Kiaan Watts will serve a suspension of 25 days, with the one-day team-imposed suspension on March 8 being deducted from the total suspension period." Watts has since apologized for his actions on social media, attributing his behavior to the heat of the moment. His team, NSN Development Team, has also issued an apology, emphasizing their expectation that riders compete in a sporting and professional manner at all times. The team extended apologies to Marijn Maas, the BEAT CC p/b Saxo team, race organizers, and the UCI Commissaires.