Track Cycling World Championships: Sprint star Richardson speaks out following allegations of racism

Earlier this week, even before the start of the Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai, a personnel matter off the track was already making headlines: Britain’s sprint star Matthew Richardson was dropped from the national squad shortly before the start of the World Championships. The 27-year-old is reportedly the subject of an investigation by British Cycling into alleged misconduct. According to media reports, the allegations include, amongst other things, discriminatory and racist remarks.

On Monday, British Cycling merely confirmed that Richardson had been withdrawn from the squad for the Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai. The organisation did not provide any details regarding the allegations. In a statement to the British media, British Cycling said it took “any allegations of harassment, bullying or discrimination extremely seriously” and was investigating such reports in accordance with established procedures. Out of fairness to all those involved, it would not comment on ongoing investigations.

For the British team, this withdrawal is a huge blow in sporting terms. Richardson was regarded as one of the most promising medal hopefuls in Shanghai and was set to compete in several disciplines. The British-born rider, who switched from Australia to Great Britain after the 2024 Olympic Games, had emerged this year as one of the few serious challengers to sprint dominator Harrie Lavreysen and had won gold in the sprint and keirin, amongst other events, at the European Championships.

Initial statement regarding the allegations

On Tuesday, Richardson spoke out for the first time. In a statement posted on Instagram, he said: “I understand the seriousness of the issues raised in recent reports regarding my exclusion from the 2026 Track Cycling World Championships.” Furthermore, with regard to the proceedings initiated by British Cycling, the Briton announced: “I will cooperate fully with these proceedings.” Richardson went on to write that he would not comment further until the process had been concluded and asked for his family’s privacy to be respected.

At the same time, Richardson expressed his disappointment at being ruled out of the World Championships: “I am deeply disappointed to be missing the World Championships, and I wish Team Great Britain and all the riders every success.” The investigation is currently ongoing; it is not yet known when it will be concluded.