New Zealand cyclist Kiaan Watts has been hit by a 25-day ban after being caught on camera punching a rival.
Video footage had shown Watts punching Dutch cyclist Marijn Maas in the head during the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle race in the Netherlands last month.
Watts and Maas had been at the front of the peloton with 33 kilometres remaining of the race on March 7.
The 24-year-old, who rides for the NSN Development Team, was seen remonstrating with Maas after throwing the punch at the Dutchman.
Maas had wobbled slightly on his bike, but remained upright and avoided injury.
Watts was removed from a race the following day by his team following the incident.
Kiaan Watts has been hit by a 25-day ban after being caught on camera punching a rival
Following an investigation by the International Cycling Union (UCI), Watts has now been hit with a 25-day ban and a fine for the incident.
‘The rider acknowledged the violation of article 12.4.009 of the UCI Regulations and accepted the sanction proposed by the UCI,’ a UCI statement read.
‘Besides the sanctions imposed by the Commissaires’ Panel during the race (cf. the disqualification from the race, the payment of a fine of CHF 200 (£188) and the deduction of 25 UCI Points), Kiaan Watts will serve a period of suspension of 25 days, with the one-day suspension imposed on the rider by his team on 8 March 2026 being credited from the period of suspension.
‘According to the above, Kiaan Watts is suspended from 9 April 2026 to 2 May 2026 (inclusive).
‘The proceedings were settled by means of an Acceptance of Consequences pursuant to article 12.6.019 of the UCI Regulations.
‘The UCI issues a reminder that, as holders of UCI licences and members of the cycling community, riders enjoy rights and assume responsibilities aimed at promoting the values of cycling and protecting the integrity of the sport.
‘These rights and responsibilities are set out in the Riders’ Charter of Rights and Responsibilities. Respecting this Charter fosters an environment in which sportsmanship, fairness, and respect prevail.’
Watts later issued an apology over the incident, admitting he had acted in the heat of the moment
Watts had issued an apology on social media following the incident and said he had acted in the heat of the moment.
His team stated that it ‘deeply regrets’ Watts’ actions and removed him from a race on March 8 as a consequence.
‘NSN Development Team deeply regrets the actions of Kiaan Watts today at the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle race,’ a team statement read last month.
‘The team expects that its riders race in a sporting and professional manner at all times and wishes to extend an apology to Marijn Maas, the BEAT CC p/b Saxo team, race organisers, and the UCI commissaires.
‘As a result, the team has decided to remove Kiaan from Dorpenomloop Rucphen tomorrow to give him time to reflect on his actions and the consequences.’
