Team GB cyclist Matthew Richardson has left the World Track Cycling Championships in Shanghai after allegations of misconduct. The 27-year-old was in China and was expected to secure three medals, but he has now been sent home, with The Times claiming to have seen 'evidence of Richardson apparently making discriminatory remarks about people from minority backgrounds and even joking about his use of the N-word'.
British Cycling statement confirms withdrawal
A British Cycling statement read: "British Cycling can confirm that Matt Richardson has been withdrawn from the Great Britain Cycling Team squad for the upcoming 2026 Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai, China."
Richardson had previously represented Australia but switched allegiance after the last Olympics. He is in a long-term relationship with fellow cyclist and Team GB star Emma Finucane.
Previous injury and recovery
Richardson was involved in a terrifying incident at the Keirin World Series back in July as he left the arena in an ambulance after a heavy collision with Kento Suzuki. He was unable to walk for four days after sustaining a broken scapula and a heavily bruised hip.
Suzuki said: "I'm sorry for disqualifying in Tachikawa. There are no excuses – it was simply down to my own lack of skill!"
Speaking about that collision, Richardson said: "We understood the risk as international racers coming in to race Japanese keirin, we knew it was argy-bargy. I think there is a difference between argy-bargy and intentionally taking a wider line to hit someone off their bike. I think it's just a shame that a rider has decided to put another person's safety at risk like that. Like I said, we do understand the risks, but I think that was probably a step too far."
He then revealed that he had received no apology from Suzuki. He said: "I haven't spoken to him, don't intend to speak to him, and that's that."
"This was definitely the worst crash I've ever had," Richardson added. "It's the first time that I've ever crashed and not basically gotten up and walked it off. I was just stuck to the floor. My whole right side just felt like it was on fire."
On his injuries, he said: "At the time I thought world championships was more likely to be a 'no-go,' but I really wanted to try and challenge myself. The rehab process has been longer than I expected… but I've been back to full sprinting, full riding, for many weeks now."
Career and Olympic record
Richardson won two silvers and a bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He then received a lifetime ban for competing for Australia after defecting.
