New Zealand cyclist Kiaan Watts suspended after punching rival rider mid-race

A New Zealand cyclist has been temporarily banned from contention aft video captured him punching a chap rider during a contention past month.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announced this week that Kiaan Watts, 24, volition service a 25-day suspension for his actions during the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle contention successful the Netherlands connected March 7. 

Kiaan Watts of New Zealand/Black Spoke Pro Cycling Academy warms up earlier signifier 1 of the New Zealand Cycle Classic successful Wairarapa connected Jan. 15, 2020, successful Wellington, New Zealand. (Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

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"Video footage of the incidental astatine the Dutch lawsuit connected 7 March 2026 showed Kiaan Watts reaching towards different rider and delivering him a closed fist punch," the connection read. "The rider acknowledged the usurpation of nonfiction 12.4.009 of the UCI Regulations and accepted the authorisation projected by the UCI." 

The BBC reported that Marijn Maas of the Netherlands was the rider struck by Watts. He wobbled but remained upright aft the punch, and Watts was reportedly disqualified from the race. 

Marijn Maas of BEAT CC powered by Saxo competes successful the ITT Beltrum Stage 2 connected Day 2 of the Metec Olympia's Tour successful Beltrum, Netherlands, connected March 26, 2026. (Wart Brinkerhof/Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi)

LENGTHY SUSPENSIONS HANDED OUT TO MEMBERS OF WILD ANGELS-BRAVES BRAWL THAT SAW FISTS, TACKLES

Watts, who presently rides for the NSN Development Team, served a one-day suspension from his squad and volition service a 25-day suspension imposed by the UCI. He was besides ordered to wage a $220 good and was deducted 25 UCI points.

He tin instrumentality to contention connected May 2. 

Kiaan Watts of New Zealand competes for Team Israel - Premier Tech during the 94th Baloise Belgium Tour 2025 idiosyncratic clip proceedings signifier from Tessenderlo to Ham connected June 20, 2025, successful Ham, Belgium. (Rhode Van Elsen/Getty Images)

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"The UCI issues a reminder that, arsenic holders of UCI licences and members of the cycling community, riders bask rights and presume responsibilities aimed astatine promoting the values of cycling and protecting the integrity of the sport," the connection added.

"Respecting this Charter fosters an situation successful which sportsmanship, fairness, and respect prevail." 

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