British Cycling withdraws Matt Richardson from Shanghai World Championships over misconduct allegations

The Great Britain squad confirmed the sprint star's removal amid a probe into alleged harassment and discrimination.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 12 Oct 2026 23:22:23 GMT

British Cycling confirmed that 27‑year‑old track sprinter Matt Richardson has been withdrawn from the Great Britain squad for the 2026 Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai, China, following an investigation into misconduct allegations.

What happened

Richardson was part of the British team announced earlier this month and travelled to Shanghai for the championships. Mid‑week, the governing body ordered his departure from the team base after receiving reports of alleged discriminatory remarks, including jokes about the N‑word and comments about people from minority backgrounds. The Times first reported the allegations; British Cycling later issued a statement confirming the withdrawal.

What the reports add

The Independent noted that the allegations prompted an official investigation by British Cycling and quoted the governing body’s spokesperson saying the squad had been "withdrawn" for the upcoming championships. The Guardian reported the same withdrawal and added that the British Cycling statement did not give a reason, while also referencing The Times as the source of the misconduct claims. Both outlets agree that Richardson was expected to compete in multiple sprint events and that the investigation is ongoing.

What was said

British Cycling said, "British Cycling can confirm that Matt Richardson has been withdrawn from the Great Britain cycling team squad for the upcoming 2026 Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai, China."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 Independent, The Guardian)

How it came about

Richardson, a former Australian rider who switched allegiance after the Paris 2024 Olympics, had previously been forced out of his anticipated England debut at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after a crash in a keirin race. His strong performances earlier in the year, including two European titles, had raised expectations for three medals at the World Championships. British Cycling’s handling of the current allegations follows its stated policy of taking any harassment, bullying or discrimination claims "extremely seriously".

Key facts

Matt Richardson was withdrawn from the Great Britain squad for the 2026 Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai. (independent.co.uk)
The withdrawal follows an investigation into allegations that Richardson made discriminatory remarks, including jokes about the N‑word. (independent.co.uk)
British Cycling confirmed the withdrawal in statements reported by both The Independent and The Guardian. (theguardian.com)