Cyclist Handed 25-Day Ban for On-Race Altercation

The governing body of world cycling has imposed a 25-day suspension on New Zealand cyclist Kiaan Watts following an incident where he physically assaulted a fellow competitor during a recent event. Footage from the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle race, held in the Netherlands on March 7, clearly shows the 24-year-old striking Dutch cyclist Marijn Maas. The Union Cycliste Internationale confirmed Watts has accepted the penalty, which will be in effect until May 2. According to the UCI, Watts will serve the suspension with credit given for a one-day team-imposed suspension on March 8. Watts took to social media to apologize for his actions, attributing them to a momentary lapse in judgment. His team, NSN Development Team, also issued a formal apology for the incident. The team emphasized its expectation for riders to conduct themselves in a professional and sporting manner at all times and extended apologies to the affected parties, including Marijn Maas, the BEAT CC/p Saxo team, race organizers, and UCI officials.