New Zealand Rider Watts Banned For Mid-race Punch

New Zealander cyclist Kiaan Watts has been banned for 25 days by cycling's world governing assemblage aft he punched a chap rider successful nan caput during a title past month.

Watts, 24, deed retired astatine Dutchman Marijn Maas pinch 33km to spell arsenic nan brace competed astatine nan beforehand of nan peloton astatine nan Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle successful nan Netherlands connected 7 March.

He past waved his limb successful remonstration astatine BEAT CC p/b Saxo's Maas, besides 24, who suffered a insignificant wobble but remained upright.

The onslaught was caught connected camera and Watts was disqualified by nan title officials and besides suspended by his NSN Development Team.

In a statement, nan Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) said Watts acknowledged nan "closed fist punch" was successful usurpation of nan rules and has accepted his punishment.