Cyclist Kiaan Watts banned 25 days for punching rival in Netherlands

Kiaan Watts of New Zealand and Team NSN Cycling. Photo / Getty Images

Kiwi cyclist Kiaan Watts has been banned for 25 days after punching another rider in the head at a race in the Netherlands last month.

The 24-year-old Watts struck Dutchman Marijn Maas at the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle in the Netherlands on March 7.

Watts was disqualified by the race officials and also suspended by his NSN Development Team.

Watts will be suspended from April 9 to May 2.

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.

“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.