British Cyclist Sent Home from World Championships Amid Misconduct Allegations

Great Britain's Matthew Richardson has been withdrawn from the World Track Cycling Championships in Shanghai due to allegations of misconduct, including discriminatory remarks and the use of racial slurs. The 27-year-old cyclist, who switched his allegiance from Australia to Britain after the last Olympics, was a strong medal contender.

A British Cycling statement confirmed Richardson's withdrawal from the event. "British Cycling can confirm that Matt Richardson has been withdrawn from the Great Britain Cycling Team squad for the upcoming 2026 Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai, China," the statement read.

Reports from The Times indicate that evidence suggests Richardson made discriminatory remarks about individuals from minority backgrounds and joked about his use of the N-word. Richardson is also known as one half of Britain's cycling 'golden couple,' in a relationship with fellow British rider Emma Finucane.

This incident follows a previous controversy for Richardson. Last week, he stated he had received no apology after being forced off the track by Japanese cyclist Kento Suzuki during the Keirin World Series in July. The crash left him unable to walk for four days due to a broken scapula and a heavily bruised hip, requiring him to leave the velodrome in an ambulance.

Richardson had previously won gold for Australia in 2022 before switching to represent England, describing the change as moving from 'High School' to 'Hogwarts.' He was considered a favorite to defend his title in Glasgow but did not compete following the crash. He had declared himself the fastest cyclist in history prior to the Shanghai championships.