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

The international governing body for cycling has imposed a 25-day suspension on New Zealand cyclist Kiaan Watts following an incident in which he struck a fellow competitor during a recent race. The altercation occurred on March 7 at the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle event in the Netherlands, where Watts, 24, was seen punching Dutch cyclist Marijn Maas in the head, as captured by video footage. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) confirmed that Watts has accepted the penalty, which will be in effect 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.' Watts took to social media to apologize for his actions, citing the heat of the moment, and his team, NSN Development Team, also issued a formal apology. The team emphasized its expectation for riders to conduct themselves in a sporting and professional manner at all times, extending apologies to Marijn Maas, the BEAT CC p/b Saxo team, race organizers, and UCI officials.