Cyclist Receives 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 for punching a fellow competitor during a race last month. The incident, which was captured on video, shows Watts striking Dutch cyclist Marijn Maas in the head at the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle race in the Netherlands on March 7. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) confirmed that Watts has accepted the suspension, which will be in effect until May 2. The UCI stated, 'Kiaan Watts will serve a 25-day suspension, with the one-day suspension imposed by his team on March 8 being credited towards the suspension period.' Following the incident, Watts apologized on social media, citing that he acted impulsively in the heat of the moment. His team, NSN Development Team, also issued an apology. The team emphasized that its riders are expected to compete in a professional and sporting manner at all times and extended apologies to Marijn Maas, the BEAT CC p/b Saxo team, race organizers, and the UCI Commissaires.