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 rider Kiaan Watts following an incident in which he punched a fellow competitor during a race. The incident occurred on March 7 at the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle race in the Netherlands, where Watts struck Dutch cyclist Marijn Maas. The 24-year-old has accepted the penalty and will be suspended until May 2. According to the Union Cycliste Internationale, the suspension includes a one-day penalty previously imposed by Watts' team, which will be deducted from the overall suspension period. Watts took to social media to apologize for his actions, stating he had acted impulsively. His team, NSN Development Team, also issued a formal apology for the incident, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sporting and professional demeanor during competitions. The team extended apologies to Maas, the BEAT CC p/b Saxo team, race organizers, and the UCI Commissaires.