'Kiaan Watts ⁠will serve a ⁠period of suspension of 25 days' – Kiwi cops 5 week ban for punching rival rider in the head during race

New Zealand cyclist Kiaan Watts has been handed a five-week suspension by the UCI following an incident during the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle race in the Netherlands. Watts, riding for the NSN development team, was caught on camera punching fellow competitor Marijn Maas in the head approximately 33 kilometres from the finish. The aggressive act occurred while Watts was at the front of the peloton, leading to his immediate disqualification from the race, a fine of 200 Swiss francs, and a deduction of 25 UCI points. The altercation reportedly stemmed from Watts’ belief that Maas had spat at him earlier in the race, a claim Maas denies. Despite the punch causing Maas to wobble, he managed to stay upright and complete the race, finishing in 79th place. Watts, visibly angry at the time, later apologised for his actions, describing the incident as a moment of madness. His team swiftly condemned the behaviour and imposed a one-day ban, preventing him from competing in the Dorpenomloop Rucphen the following day. The UCI’s ruling acknowledged NSN’s prompt disciplinary response and confirmed that the team’s internal suspension would count towards Watts’ overall ban, which extends until 2 May 2026. The governing body emphasised the responsibilities that come with holding a UCI licence, highlighting the importance of upholding the sport’s values and integrity. Watts, an experienced rider with a background including time at Israel Premier Tech and participation in World Tour events, now faces a significant setback in his career due to this disciplinary action. This incident serves as a reminder of the strict standards expected in professional cycling, where conduct on and off the bike is closely monitored. The UCI’s firm stance underscores its commitment to maintaining fair play and respect among competitors. Moving forward, Watts will need to rebuild his reputation and demonstrate adherence to the sport’s ethical code to continue progressing in his professional career.