Trending Now - Cyclist Kiaan Watts Banned for Mid-race Punch at Rival

WHO:

Fox News - Kiaan Watts, a 24-year-old cyclist from New Zealand, and Marijn Maas, a Dutch cyclist.

Daily Mail Sports - Kiaan Watts, Marijn Maas.

WHAT:

Fox News - Kiaan Watts has been temporarily banned from competition for punching Marijn Maas during a race.

Fox News - Watts received a 25-day suspension from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and was ordered to pay a $220 fine.

Fox News - Watts was also deducted 25 UCI points.

Daily Mail Sports - Video footage showed Watts punching Maas in the head.

WHERE:

Fox News - The incident occurred during the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle race in the Netherlands.

Daily Mail Sports - The race took place in the Netherlands.

WHEN:

Fox News - The incident occurred on March 7th, 2026.

Fox News - Kiaan Watts can return to competition on May 2nd, 2026.

Fox News - Watts served a one-day suspension from his team prior to the UCI suspension.

WHY:

Fox News - The UCI stated that the actions violated article 12.4.009 of the UCI Regulations.

HOW:

Fox News - Video footage captured the incident where Watts delivered a closed fist punch to Maas.

(UPDATED April 11, 2026 19:13 UTC)

Kiaan Watts, a 24-year-old cyclist from New Zealand, has been temporarily banned from competition for punching Dutch cyclist Marijn Maas during the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle race in the Netherlands March 7th. Watts received a 25-day suspension from the Union Cycliste Internationale, was fined $220, and had 25 UCI points deducted, with video footage showing him delivering a closed fist punch to Maas. He is eligible to return to competitiMay 2nd, after serving a one-day suspension from his team prior to the UCI's decision.