Punch in Ster van Zwolle has consequences: UCI delivers fitting punishment

Kiaan Watts knows his punishment. The New Zealander from the NSN development team had a notable moment in the Ster van Zwolle, in which he punched a fellow rider. Following his earlier disqualification, the UCI has shared the further sanctions in a press release.

The Ster van Zwolle normally serves as the festive opening of the Dutch cycling season. Parkhotel Valkenburg rider Mathis Avondts won in a sprint, but that evening the attention was mainly focused on a moment with over 30 kilometres to go. NSN rider Watts had seriously misbehaved.

The New Zealander punched BEAT rider Marijn Maas. According to Thijs Zonneveld, sporting director at the BEAT team, Watts believed the Dutchman had deliberately spat at him. As a result, the NSN rider reportedly lost his temper and threw a punch — something that earned him a disqualification and a fine on the day.

After the race, NSN issued a statement. The team distanced itself from the actions of its rider and decided to remove him from the start list of the Dorpenomloop Rucphen. The New Zealander did return to action just over a week later at Nokere Koerse, after which he also raced the GP Jean-Pierre Monseré and the Scheldeprijs.

For now, no new races will be added to that list. The UCI announced in a press release that a suspension awaits Watts. 'Kiaan Watts will be suspended for a period of 25 days. This takes effect on 9 April 2026 and ends on 2 May 2026,' the press release states.

The rider is said to have accepted this proposal and admitted his guilt. Finally, the cycling governing body reminded riders once more of the responsibility they have to promote the values of cycling and to protect the integrity of the sport.