Kiwi cyclist Kiaan Watts given ban for striking
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New Zealand cyclist Kiaan Watts has been banned for 25 days by cycling's global governing body after he struck a race competitor in the head during a race last month.
Watts, 24, was seen striking out at Dutchman Marijn Maas (BEAT CC p/b Saxo) on the helmet with just under 34km remaining in the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle 1.2-ranked event after it appeared the two had clashed earlier. The incident which was caught on camera.
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Race officials disqualified Watts and he was also suspended by his NSN Development Team.
In a statement, the 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.
Watts, originally from Tauranga wrote on social media after the incident.
"I have apologised in person but I want to also publicly apologise to Marijn Maas from BEAT CC p/b Saxo team for my actions today, as well as my team and sponsors, the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle race organisers, and UCI commissaires,” he said..
“I deeply regret what I did in the heat of the moment and will take the time to reflect on my actions and learn from this.”