Kiwi cyclist Kiaan Watts banned 25 days for throwing punch at rival mid-race

New Zealand cyclist Kiaan Watts has been banned for 25 days by cycling's global governing body after he punched a fellow rider in the head during a race last month.

Watts, 24, was caught on camera striking out at a fellow rider during a race in the Netherlands.

Race officials disqualified Watts and he was also suspended by his NSN Development Team.

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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 April 9-May 2, as his one-day team ban for the following Dorpenomloop Rucphen race on March 8 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.

At the time, Watts' team, NSN Cycling, released a statement condemning his actions.

"NSN Development Team deeply regrets the actions of Kiaan Watts today at the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle race," a spokesperson said.

"The team expects that its riders race in a sporting and professional manner at all times and wishes to extend an apology to Marijn Maas, the BEAT CC p/b Saxo team, race organisers, and the UCI commissaires.

"As a result, the team has decided to remove Kiaan from Dorpenomloop Rucphen tomorrow to give him time to reflect on his actions and the consequences."

A sports director from another team, Kelvin Dekker, also shared video footage of the punch on social media and urged the UCI to act.

"Hey @UCI_cycling we already have red cards as well?" he asked.

Watts is a former stage winner on the Tour of Southland.