New Zealand Cyclist Kiaan Watts suspended for punching a rival during mid-race altercation

New Zealand cyclist, Kiaan Watts has received a 25-day suspension from the UCI after punching a rival during a race in the Netherlands last month. 

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The world governing body issued the sanction after reviewing video footage that showed the 24-year-old striking Dutch rider Marijn Maas in the head during the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle on March 7. Watts accepted the disciplinary action, which remains in effect until May 2.

The UCI clarified that the total suspension period includes credit for a one-day ban previously imposed by the rider’s team immediately following the incident. In addition to the competitive ban, Watts was fined 200 Swiss francs and stripped of 25 UCI ranking points for the physical assault, which occurred while the peloton was moving at high speed.

Watts addressed the incident through a social media apology, explaining that his behavior was a result of the heat of the moment during a high-pressure competition. His NSN Development Team also released a formal statement expressing deep regret over the situation. The team emphasized that it expects all its athletes to maintain professional and sporting conduct and extended apologies to the race organizers, the UCI, and Maas’s respective team.

The New Zealander had briefly returned to the saddle for other events in March, but this final ruling ensures he will remain sidelined from professional competition for the remainder of the spring window. Critics of the decision have noted that while the punch was clearly visible on the broadcast, the context of the frustration does not excuse physical violence in the peloton.