Elton John's Agency Halts Work With Cyclist Amid Misconduct Probe

Rocket Sports, a talent agency co-founded by Sir Elton John, has paused all commercial work with British cyclist Matthew Richardson. The decision comes as Richardson faces an investigation by British Cycling into allegations of discriminatory behavior. Richardson, 27, was sent home from the Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai earlier this month after the misconduct probe was launched.

Richardson, who switched to represent Britain in 2024 after previously competing for Australia, was signed by Rocket Sports in September. The agency confirmed to The Times that work with the sprinter has been suspended. "In agreement with Matty, while the British Cycling investigation is ongoing we have paused all of our commercial work with him," a spokesperson for Rocket Sports stated. The agency has also removed Richardson from its website to avoid further inquiries related to the matter.

Richardson has reportedly engaged a London-based crisis communications agency. He previously expressed his disappointment at missing the World Championships and pledged full cooperation with British Cycling's investigation. "I understand the seriousness of what has been raised in recent reports about my withdrawal from the 2026 UCI Track Cycling World Championships," Richardson said. "British Cycling has said it looks into matters like this through its established procedures. I will co-operate fully with its processes."

He added, "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 deeply disappointed to miss the World Championships, and I wish the Great Britain team and every rider competing the very best."

Richardson's girlfriend, Emma Finucane, who won three medals at the World Championships, has stated her support for him during the investigation. "He's my partner and I will support him no matter what through this difficult time while this private investigation is going on, we will leave it as that," Finucane told BBC Radio 5Live. She acknowledged the personal challenges of the situation but focused on her own performances at the event, calling her participation difficult but also a source of pride.