NSN Cycling, the new version of Israel-Premier Tech, stands for “never say never,” but the team might want to consider breaking its namesake motto after Saturday’s events. As in, NSN should probably tell Kiaan Watts never to punch another rider mid-race.
That should go without saying, of course. Watts’s move, which happened at the front of a flying peloton during Dutch race Ster van Zwolle, was wildly dangerous. Rubbing may be racing, as they say. And we’ve seen riders throw the occasional awkward punch off the bike. But this takes the cake as the most irresponsible and dangerous thing to happen in a race in a while.
The NSN Development rider threw hands as he took over on the front of the race, hitting Marijn Maas (BEAT cc p/b Saxo) from behind as he passed.
Not standing roadside. Not after the finish. But at race speed with an entire field following inches from their wheels.
Hey @UCI_cycling we already have red cards as well? #stervanzwolle pic.twitter.com/fQAuNkiRlI
— Kelvin Dekker (@kelvindekker) March 7, 2026
Immediate calls for punishment
The dangerous and bizarre incident is already been met with calls for punishment.
Movistar’s sport director, Kelvin Dekker, who caught the move on video and is calling on the UCI to deliver some form of discipline.
Watts was disqualified from Ster van Zwolle. NSN Development Team is also issuing an apology.
“The NSN Development Team deeply regrets the actions of Kiaan Watts today at the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle,” the team said in it’s stories on Instagram. “The team expects that its riders race in a sporting and professional manner at all times and wishes to extend and apology to Marijn Maas, BEAT cc p/b Saxo, race organizers, and the UCI commissaires.”
NSN is also removing Watts from Sunday’s Dorpenomloop Rucphen to “give him time to reflect on his actions and the consequences.”
There is no word at this time on further disciplinary action from the UCI.