Aussie Olympic defector ‘will co-operate fully’ after misconduct allegations
Matt Richardson, the track cyclist who defected from Australia to Great Britain after the last Olympics, has declared he’ll co-operate with authorities after revelations he’s under investigation following allegations of misconduct.
Richardson, who won two silver medals for Australia in Paris in 2024, withdrew from the track world championships in Shanghai without providing a reason.
Matthew Richardson seen before a race earlier this year Instagram
British Cycling confirmed the 27-year-old would not be representing the team in what was a nasty blow for the nation, given he was a strong medal hope.
The decision to withdraw comes after it was reported by The Times that Richardson was under investigation for alleged “discriminatory posts and behaviour”.
The report points to concerns around Richardson and his behaviour with other riders. He has since left the team’s training base in China as a result of the claims.
In a statement to The Times, British Cycling confirmed it “takes any allegations of harassment, bullying or discrimination extremely seriously”.
The organisation went on to note that “out of fairness to anyone involved in an investigation”, no comment would be made publicly on the matter yet.
British Cycling did not cite Richardson’s name in that statement but on Tuesday (AEDT) he released a statement confirming he’s under investigation.
“I understand the seriousness of what has been raised in recent reports about my withdrawal from the 2026 UCI Track Cycling World Championships,” he wrote on Instagram.
“British Cycling has said it looks into matters like this through its established procedures. I will co-operate fully with its processes. I assure everyone that I will do so properly, and appropriately and with contrition for the feelings of anyone who might be affected.
“Out of fairness to everyone involved, and on advice, like British Cycling, I will not be commenting further until any process is complete. I am deepy disappointed to miss the World Championships, and I wish the Great Britain team and every rider competing the very best.
“I ask that my family’s privacy is respect at this time.”
Richardson’s withdrawal comes just months after he missed out on making his England debut at the Commonwealth Games, having missed the competition due to an injury suffered in a crash at a World Series event in Japan.
Matthew Richardson representing Australia at Paris 2024. nna\KCampbell
While he missed the chance to face his former Australian teammates, Richardson has wasted no time making sure the cycling world knows what he can do.
Last year, he became the first rider to break nine seconds for flying 200m track cycling event, setting the world record with a time of 8.857.
Richardson’s defection in 2024 came as a surprise to many in the Australian cycling community, given the success he had found with the team in Paris.
He was eligible to switch his allegiance as he was born in England. Richardson’s family moved to Perth when he was nine due to his father’s job.