Cyclist Kiaan Watts Banned for 25 Days After Mid-Race Punch
New Zealand cyclist Kiaan Watts has been suspended by the UCI after he struck Dutch rider Marijn Maas during the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle on March 7. The world governing body handed Watts a 25-day ban, effective until May 2, which includes credit for a one-day team-imposed suspension. He was also fined 200 Swiss francs and docked 25 UCI ranking points for the on-track assault. Watts issued a public apology on social media, saying his actions were a heat-of-the-moment reaction under intense competition. His NSN Development Team expressed regret and apologised to race organisers, the UCI, and Maas’s team. With the suspension in place, Watts will miss the rest of the spring racing calendar. Observers note that while frustration is understandable, physical violence has no place in professional cycling.
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