UCI hands out 25-day suspension after punch incident at Ster van Zwolle

The incident, which took place around 34km from the finish of the Dutch one-day race on 7 March, showed Watts reaching across and striking fellow rider Marijn Maas with a closed fist during a tense moment in the peloton.

Watts was immediately disqualified from the race by the commissaires panel, receiving a CHF 200 fine and a deduction of 25 UCI points. The governing body has now confirmed further disciplinary action, with the rider accepting a 25-day suspension under UCI regulations.

The ban runs from April 9 to May 2, 2026, with one day already credited after an immediate suspension imposed internally by his team on 8 March.

The case was settled through an acceptance of consequences procedure, meaning the rider acknowledged a breach of article 12.4.009 of the UCI rulebook, which covers violent conduct during competition.

At the time of the incident, Watts’ team, NSN Development Team, moved quickly to condemn the behaviour. In a statement released shortly after the race, the team apologised to Maas, his BEAT Cycling Club p/b Saxo squad, race organisers and officials, while also withdrawing Watts from the following day’s Dorpenomloop Rucphen.

“The team expects that its riders race in a sporting and professional manner at all times,” the statement read, adding that the rider would be given time to reflect on his actions.

In its ruling, the UCI reiterated the responsibilities that come with holding a racing licence, pointing to the Riders’ Charter of Rights and Responsibilities as a framework designed to uphold sportsmanship, fairness and respect within the sport.