Matt Richardson has been pulled from the Great Britain team for the upcoming World Track Cycling Championships following reports that he is facing a disciplinary inquiry.
British Cycling announced the removal of the 27-year-old athlete through an official statement. The organization did not provide a specific explanation for the decision to exclude him from the roster for the international competition taking place in Shanghai.
Media reports surfaced detailing an internal investigation into alleged misconduct involving the cyclist. When questioned regarding these allegations, governing body officials declined to elaborate further on the matter.
Just days prior, athletic leadership had named Richardson to the national squad for the tournament scheduled to run from October 14 through October 18. He had been anticipated to feature prominently across multiple speed events, including the individual sprint, team sprint, and keirin disciplines. Representatives for the competitor have been contacted for a response regarding the situation.
Richardson previously competed on the international stage for Australia, securing a pair of silver medals and a single bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Following those summer games, he made a high-profile switch of sporting allegiance to represent Great Britain.
His transition to the British team has faced several logistical and physical obstacles. Earlier this year, he was sidelined from a planned appearance representing England at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after sustaining injuries during a keirin crash in Japan.
The unfolding situation leaves the national track squad without one of its primary medal hopefuls as athletes prepare to compete on the global stage. Further updates from sports administrators are expected as the championships draw closer.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
