Matt Richardson withdrawn from Great Britain squad for Shanghai world championships amid misconduct claims

On 12 October 2026 Matt Richardson was withdrawn from the Great Britain team for the upcoming 2026 Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai, China. British Cycling confirmed he is in the process of leaving the squad’s base in China.

Richardson is 27 and switched his allegiance from Australia after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He had been expected to target three medals at the world championships: the team sprint, the individual sprint and the keirin.

British Cycling did not give a reason for the decision and issued the following statement: "British Cycling can confirm that Matt Richardson has been withdrawn from the Great Britain cycling team squad for the upcoming 2026 Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai, China."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 Times is reporting that Richardson is the subject of an investigation by the governing body into allegations of misconduct.

Earlier this year Richardson was forced out of his England debut at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow when he crashed in a keirin race shortly before he was due to fly to Glasgow.

As a result of the withdrawal Richardson will not compete at the 2026 Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai.