British Cyclist Matthew Richardson Removed From World Championships Amid Misconduct Probe

British cyclist Matthew Richardson, 27, has been withdrawn from the Great Britain Cycling Team squad for the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai following allegations of misconduct, including the use of racist language. The investigation by British Cycling is ongoing.

Richardson was sent home from the championships on Monday. According to The Times, riders in the World Class Programme described him as 'arrogant' and possessing a 'God complex,' noting his awareness of being a key medal hopeful for the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics.

Richardson broke his silence on Tuesday via Instagram, expressing deep disappointment and pledging full cooperation with British Cycling's established procedures. "I assure everyone that I will do so properly, and appropriately and with contrition for the feelings of anyone who might be affected," he stated. He added that he would not comment further until the process is complete and wished the Great Britain team the best.

His absence from the World Championships has caused surprise. His girlfriend, fellow cyclist Emma Finucane, 23, remains in Shanghai and has continued to compete. On Wednesday morning, she secured a qualifying victory for the Women's Team Sprint.

Finucane's brother, Sean, told the Daily Mail that the family was shocked and surprised by the development, stating Richardson has "never shown any signs of that sort of behaviour."

British Cycling confirmed Richardson's withdrawal in a statement but declined to comment further on the specifics of the misconduct allegations at this stage. Richardson and Finucane, who have been dating since February 2024, live together in Manchester.

Richardson was a significant medal contender, having won gold in the men's sprint and keirin events, as well as silver in the team sprint at the European Championships earlier this year. He had been preparing for a return to competition after sustaining a broken scapula and bruised hip in a crash during the Keirin World Series in July, an incident for which he stated he had not received an apology from the rival cyclist involved.

Previously, Richardson switched his cycling nationality from Australia to Britain, a move that resulted in a lifetime ban from competing for Australia. He had described representing Britain as akin to joining 'Hogwarts' compared to his previous experience with the Australian program.