New Zealand rider Watts banned for mid-race punch

After the incident last month, NSN Development Team said they "deeply regretted" the actions of rider Kiaan Watts New Zealander cyclist Kiaan Watts has been banned for 25 days by cycling's global governing body after he punched a fellow rider in the head during a race last month. Watts, 24, hit out at Dutchman Marijn Maas with 33km to go as the pair competed at the front of the peloton at the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle in the Netherlands on 7 March. He then waved his arm in remonstration at BEAT CC p/b Saxo's Maas, also 24, who suffered a minor wobble but remained upright.

The strike was caught on camera and Watts was disqualified by the race officials and also suspended by his NSN Development Team. In a statement, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) said Watts acknowledged the "closed fist punch" was in violation of the rules and has accepted his punishment. Watts will be suspended from 9 April to 2 May, as his one-day team ban for the following Dorpenomloop Rucphen race on 8 March has been credited from the suspension period.

"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," the statement added.