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A New Zealand cyclist has been temporarily banned from title aft video captured him punching a chap rider during a title past month.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announced this week that Kiaan Watts, 24, will service a 25-day suspension for his actions during nan Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle title successful nan Netherlands connected March 7.
Kiaan Watts of New Zealand/Black Spoke Pro Cycling Academy warms up earlier shape 1 of nan 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 nan incident astatine nan Dutch arena connected 7 March 2026 showed Kiaan Watts reaching towards different rider and delivering him a closed fist punch," nan connection read. "The rider acknowledged nan usurpation of article 12.4.009 of nan UCI Regulations and accepted nan punishment projected by nan UCI."
The BBC reported that Marijn Maas of nan Netherlands was nan rider struck by Watts. He wobbled but remained upright aft nan punch, and Watts was reportedly disqualified from nan race.
Marijn Maas of BEAT CC powered by Saxo competes successful nan ITT Beltrum Stage 2 connected Day 2 of nan 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 nan NSN Development Team, served a one-day suspension from his squad and will service a 25-day suspension imposed by nan UCI. He was besides ordered to salary a $220 good and was deducted 25 UCI points.
He tin return to title connected May 2.
Kiaan Watts of New Zealand competes for Team Israel - Premier Tech during nan 94th Baloise Belgium Tour 2025 individual clip proceedings shape 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 nan cycling community, riders bask authorities and presume responsibilities aimed astatine promoting nan values of cycling and protecting nan integrity of nan sport," nan connection added.
"Respecting this Charter fosters an situation successful which sportsmanship, fairness, and respect prevail."
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