Former Australian track cyclist Matt Richardson has withdrawn from international competition after sustaining an injury while racing in Japan, according to an announcement by Team England. The development removes a high-profile showdown at the upcoming track cycling program at Glasgow’s Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
Team England Sprint Ace Withdraws Following Injury
Team management confirmed the withdrawal on Wednesday night (AEST), stating that the Kent-born star cannot compete for Team England at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. According to team management’s post on Instagram, Richardson sustained the injury during international racing earlier in the week. The setback alters the competitive landscape of the four-day track cycling program, which begins Thursday night (AEST) with the men’s team sprint serving as one of the first gold medal events.
Missed Showdown Against Former Teammate Leigh Hoffman
Richardson’s planned clash with former teammate Leigh Hoffman had shaped as one of the biggest stories of the games. Richardson and Hoffman previously rode together to win a team sprint bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. Following that performance, Richardson sensationally defected from Australia to Great Britain. Had he competed, the pairing would have entered as favorites in both the match sprint and the keirin events.
Pro Tip: Tracking Track Cycling Schedules
Fans following the Glasgow track cycling program can catch early medal events starting Thursday night at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, where sprint and endurance fields continue to evolve following late-breaking roster changes.
Athletics Updates: Hoare Reinstated in 1500m Final
Away from the velodrome, Australian middle-distance star Olli Hoare secured reinstatement to the 1500m final after a race incident. Hoare was clipped by a rival during his heat and initially failed to qualify. He immediately launched a protest, and the track referee ultimately sided with him. Hoare joins fellow Australians Adam Spencer and Cam Myers alongside Scotland’s world record holder Josh Kerr in the final.
Sprinters Advance in Heat Action
Australia’s fastest man, Lachie Kennedy, advanced to the 200m semi-final by clocking 20.50 seconds. Kennedy backed up his performance from the previous morning, where he secured a silver medal in the 100m. In the women’s division, Mia Gross and Monique Hanlon both successfully won their respective 200m heats to progress further in the athletics schedule.
Did you know? Lachie Kennedy backed up his 100m silver medal-winning performance by returning to the track the very next morning to contest the 200m heats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Matt Richardson not competing at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games?
According to Team England management, Richardson sustained an injury during international racing in Japan earlier in the week and can no longer compete.
Who was Richardson scheduled to race against?
Richardson was set to face his former Australian teammate Leigh Hoffman, with whom he won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
What happened to Olli Hoare in the 1500m?
Hoare was clipped by a rival in his heat and did not initially qualify, but a successful protest lodged with the track referee reinstated him into the final.
Where is the track cycling program taking place?
The four-day track cycling program is being held at Glasgow’s Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
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