Matthew Richardson withdrawn from British cycling squad over misconduct reports

The 27-year-old cyclist Matthew Richardson has been withdrawn from the Great Britain squad for the upcoming World Track Cycling Championships in Shanghai, according to reports from BBC News and the Daily Mail. British Cycling confirmed his removal in a statement but did not provide a reason for the decision. BBC News and the Daily Mail both reported that the withdrawal follows allegations of misconduct. [1][2]

BBC News reported that allegations of a misconduct investigation were first published by The Times. When asked for comment by BBC Sport, British Cycling declined to address those allegations. The Daily Mail reported that a spokesperson for British Cycling confirmed the rider had been sent home. [1][2]

The removal comes shortly after Richardson was named in the British squad last Wednesday. The World Track Cycling Championships are scheduled to run from 14 to 18 October at the Shanghai Velodrome, as reported by BBC News and BBC Sport. [1][3]

Richardson previously represented Australia, winning a world title in the team sprint in 2022 and three medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He switched his allegiance from Australia to Great Britain after the 2024 Olympic Games. [2][11]