A professional cyclist who punched a rival during a race in the Netherlands last month has been banned for 25 days by the UCI.
There was outrage when Kiaan Watts was seen lashing out at a fellow rider during the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle 1.2 race, footage of the incident subsequently widely shared on social media and NSN Cycling confirming their development team rider had been removed from a race the next day in light of the incident.
The UCI this afternoon released a statement and confirmed Watts accepted his violation of the governing body’s rules and agreed to a 25-day suspension. One of the days served will be credited to the Sunday race NSN Cycling removed Kiwi rider Watts from following the incident.
Hey @UCI_cycling we already have red cards as well? #stervanzwolle pic.twitter.com/fQAuNkiRlI
— Kelvin Dekker (@kelvindekker) March 7, 2026
It means Watts will be banned from today (9 April) until May 2.
A statement from the UCI said: “The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announces that the disciplinary proceedings which had been initiated against the rider Kiaan Watts (NZL), in relation to the incident occurred approximately 33.7 kilometres from the finish line of the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle (1.2 ME) have been completed.
“Video footage of the incident at the Dutch event on 7 March 2026 showed Kiaan Watts reaching towards another rider and delivering him a closed fist punch.
“The rider acknowledged the violation of article 12.4.009 of the UCI Regulations and accepted the sanction proposed by the UCI. Besides the sanctions imposed by the Commissaires’ Panel during the race (cf. the disqualification from the race, the payment of a fine of CHF 200 and the deduction of 25 UCI Points), Kiaan Watts will serve a period of suspension of 25 days, with the one-day suspension imposed on the rider by his team on 8 March 2026 being credited from the period of suspension.
“According to the above, Kiaan Watts is suspended from 9 April 2026 to 2 May 2026 (inclusive). The proceedings were settled by means of an Acceptance of Consequences pursuant to article 12.6.019 of the UCI Regulations.
“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. These rights and responsibilities are set out in the Riders’ Charter of Rights and Responsibilities. Respecting this Charter fosters an environment in which sportsmanship, fairness, and respect prevail.”
At the time of the incident, NSN Cycling’s development team released a statement saying they “deeply regret” Watts’ actions.
“The team expects that its riders race in a sporting and professional manner at all times and wishes to extend an apology to Marijn Maas, the BEAT CC p/b Saxo team, race organisers, and the UCI commissaires,” they said.
“As a result, the team has decided to remove Kiaan from Dorpenomloop Rucphen tomorrow to give him time to reflect on his actions and the consequences.”
2 thoughts on “Pro cyclist who punched rival during race banned for 25 days”
This young thug should have been suspended for 3 months. Enough time for him and his team leadership to work on his bad temper and anger mismanagenent.
Indeed. From the photo, it looks like his punch was at best a glancing blow. He could do with spending some of this 3 month ban in the gym with a punch bag and speedball.