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Kiwi cyclist stood down after striking competitor during race

Kiaan Watts.

A New Zealand cyclist has been stood down by his team after he struck a competitor during a race in the Netherlands.

Kiaan Watts lashed out at Marjin Maas during the Salverda Bouw Ster race in Zwolle, hitting him in the helmet.

He could then be seen gesturing and shouting at the Dutchman.

It was unclear what caused Watts to lose his temper.

"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," NSN said in a statement.

"The team has decided to remove Kiaan from Dorpenomloop Rucphen (road race) tomorrow to give him time to reflect on his actions and consequences."

In an Instagram post, Watts also apologised to Maas.

"I have apologised in person, but I want to also publicly apologise to Marijn Maas from Beat CC p/b Saxo team for my actions today, as well as my team and sponsors, the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle race organisers, and UCI commissaries.

"I deeply regret what I did in the heat of the moment, and will take the time to reflect on my actions and learn from this."

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