Sports · Other Sports · 6 hrs ago
Matt Richardson withdrawn from Great Britain team amid misconduct allegations
British track sprinter Matt Richardson has been withdrawn from Great Britain’s squad for the world championships in Shanghai next week.
British Cycling confirmed his removal but did not give a reason.
The decision came after reports that the 27-year-old is under an internal investigation over allegations of misconduct.
One report said other riders had raised concerns about his behaviour; British Cycling has not detailed the investigation.
Richardson switched from Australia to Great Britain after the Paris 2024 Olympics and was expected to be a leading medal contender.
His removal means he will not compete for Britain at the championships, where he had been expected to race in sprint events and the keirin.
British Cycling says it investigates concerns through established procedures and has declined to comment further while the process is ongoing.
Matt Richardson has been withdrawn from Great Britain’s squad for the 2026 track cycling world championships in Shanghai amid reports of an investigation into allegations of misconduct.
British Cycling confirmed his withdrawal but did not give a reason in its initial statement.
The Times reported that concerns had been raised about Richardson’s behaviour by other riders.
British Cycling said it investigates allegations of harassment, bullying or discrimination through established procedures.
Richardson could not be reached for comment by the Guardian.
- Who
- Matt Richardson, a 27-year-old track sprinter.
- What
- He was withdrawn from Great Britain’s squad amid reports of an investigation into allegations of misconduct.
- When
- 12 October 2026; the championships were due to take place the following week.
- Where
- Shanghai, China.
- Why
- The withdrawal came amid reports of an internal investigation and allegations of misconduct. British Cycling did not state a reason for the withdrawal.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Richardson switched his sporting allegiance from Australia to Great Britain.
The Times reported that Richardson was the subject of an internal investigation and that other riders had raised concerns about his behaviour.
British Cycling confirmed Richardson had been withdrawn from the squad for the upcoming world championships in Shanghai.
The Guardian reported that Richardson was in the process of leaving the team’s training base in China.
- Age
- 27
- Championships
- 2026 track cycling world championships
- Host city
- Shanghai, China
- Withdrawal
- Removed from Great Britain’s squad
- Previous allegiance
- Australia; switched to Great Britain after the Paris 2024 Olympics
What people are saying
British Cycling can confirm that Matt Richardson has been withdrawn from the Great Britain cycling team squad for the upcoming 2026 track cycling world championships in Shanghai, China.
British Cycling takes any allegations of harassment, bullying or discrimination extremely seriously. Where concerns are raised, they are investigated thoroughly through our established procedures. Out of fairness to anyone involved in an investigation, we would not comment on any ongoing process.
I grew up watching Chris Hoy race on the TV. Whenever I’ve raced in the UK, it felt as though I was racing in front of a home crowd. It made me think: ‘What would this feel like if I was racing for Great Britain?’ That’s something I want to find out. I want to chase that feeling.
Sources
Related news
Wild forward Nico Sturm leaves game with head injury
Brisbane 2032 chief executive Cindy Hook to leave early next year
Saracens sack rugby player Totoa Auvaa after another incident
Nick Blakey to join North Melbourne from Sydney in 2027
Flyers roster move draws questions
Star defender Nick Blakey traded from Sydney Swans to North Melbourne
Surfer Alan Cleland suspended from World Surf League over allegations
DP World Tour to deny 2027 membership to players who join LIV Golf
Penguins Acquire Former First-Round Pick in Trade With Sabres
Final Demand disqualified after positive test; Mullins fined
Wallabies and Kangaroos share Sydney gym before games against New Zealand
