Brief
Matt Richardson left injured after Japanese rider Kento Suzuki crashes into him in keirin event
Richardson suffered a broken scapula and bruised hip after Suzuki’s collision, and says he received no apology.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Team England cyclist Matthew Richardson said he is "lucky" to be walking after a July keirin World Series crash in Japan that ended his Commonwealth Games hopes.
What happened
During the July keirin event, Japanese rider Kento Suzuki took a wider line that forced Richardson off his bike, sending him to the velodrome floor and into an ambulance. Richardson spent four days unable to walk, later diagnosed with a broken scapula and a heavily bruised hip.
What the reports add
The Daily Mail notes Richardson’s comments to The Times, where he described the impact as "a line was crossed" and distinguished the incident from the usual "argy‑bargy" of Japanese keirin. He also said he has not spoken to Suzuki and does not intend to.
What was said
"If I’d landed in a slightly different way, I might not be walking," Richardson told The Times, as reported by the Daily Mail. He added, "It’s pretty disappointing that a rider has decided to put another rider’s safety at risk like that." Australian cyclist Leigh Hoffman joked about Richardson’s move to England, saying, "I think maybe he got his Hogwarts invitation left in the mail," also cited by the Daily Mail.
How it came about
Richardson, a 27‑year‑old former Australian gold‑medallist who switched allegiance to England, was a favourite to retain his keirin title at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow before the crash ended his participation.
Key facts
- Matt Richardson was collided with by Japanese cyclist Kento Suzuki in a July keirin World Series event in Japan. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Richardson suffered a broken scapula and a heavily bruised hip, leaving him unable to walk for four days. (dailymail.co.uk)
- He says he received no apology from Suzuki and does not intend to speak with him. (dailymail.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “British cyclist who was wiped out by rival has received NO apology”
