Matt Richardson has been withdrawn from the Great Britain team for the upcoming World Cycling Championships in Shanghai amid allegations of misconduct, British Cycling confirmed. British Cycling confirmed the 27-year-old rider is leaving the squad’s base in China without detailing the decision.
British Cycling investigates misconduct complaints against Richardson
The Times reported that the governing body launched the investigation following a complaint from a fellow cyclist, according to Fox Sports. British Cycling released a statement stating they take any allegations of harassment, bullying, or discrimination extremely seriously and investigate concerns thoroughly through established procedures.
Fox Sports reported that the allegations involve claims Richardson made discriminatory remarks about people from minority backgrounds and joked about his use of the N-word. British Cycling stated that out of fairness to everyone involved, they would not comment on any ongoing process.
Squad changes follow removal of Richardson from championships
Britain’s medal events at the 2026 Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Championships run from Wednesday to Sunday in Shanghai. Richardson was expected to contend for three medals in the team sprint, individual sprint, and keirin.
Harry Ledingham-Horn, Ed Lowe, and Joe Truman remain in the squad for the sprint events following Richardson’s removal. The governing body confirmed his withdrawal from the roster as he departs the Chinese training base.
Richardson Olympic success precedes switch to British team
Richardson was born in Maidstone and moved to Australia at age nine. He competed for Australia until August 2024, winning two silver medals in the sprint and keirin and a bronze in the team sprint at the Paris Olympic Games.
He switched his sporting allegiance to Great Britain immediately after the Paris Games, making his debut in British colors by September 2024. He holds the world record for the men’s flying 200m time trial at 8.857 seconds, set in Turkey in August 2025.
Missed Commonwealth Games Debut
Former Australian teammate Ryan Hoffman commented publicly on the defection during the Commonwealth Games buildup, stating that Richardson’s heart was never fully in the Australian program following the rider’s crash in Japan.
Reasons for Richardson removal from championship team
Why was Matt Richardson withdrawn from the Great Britain team?
British Cycling withdrew Richardson from the squad for the World Cycling Championships in Shanghai due to an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct.
What specific allegations are being investigated?
The Times reported that the investigation stems from a complaint by a fellow cyclist regarding alleged discriminatory remarks about minority backgrounds and jokes about the N-word.
When did Richardson switch allegiance to Great Britain?
Richardson announced his defection from Australia to Great Britain in August 2024 after winning three medals at the Paris Olympics, and he began racing in British colors in September 2024.