Kiwi cyclist Kiaan Watts has been banned for 25 days after punching a fellow rider during a race in the Netherlands.
The 24-year-old was caught on camera striking the rider in the head.
Race officials disqualified him and his NSN Development Team also suspended him. Cycling’s governing body, the UCI, said Watts admitted the “closed fist punch” breached the rules and accepted the penalty.
His suspension runs from 9 April to 2 May, with a prior team ban credited. The UCI said riders have a responsibility to uphold the sport’s integrity.
Disqualifié du Ster van Zwolle le 7 mars dernier après avoir frappé un adversaire, le Néo-Zélandais Kiaan Watts (NSN devo) est suspendu 25 jours par l’UCI. La période de suspension va du 9 avril au 2 mai 2026.pic.twitter.com/USmcrqy1I7
— Le Gruppetto (@LeGruppetto) April 9, 2026
