Cyclist Handed 25-Day Ban for On-Race Altercation

The governing body of world cycling has imposed a 25-day ban on New Zealand cyclist Kiaan Watts following an incident in which he struck a fellow competitor during a recent event. Footage from the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle race in the Netherlands on March 7 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 run until May 2. In a statement, the UCI noted that the one-day suspension Watts received from his team on March 8 would be deducted from the overall suspension period. Watts took to social media to apologize for his actions, citing the heat of the moment as a factor. His team, NSN Development Team, also issued an apology, emphasizing the importance of sporting and professional conduct at all times. The team extended its apology to Maas, the BEAT CC p/b Saxo team, race organizers, and UCI officials.