British track star Matthew Richardson sent home from Shanghai World Championships over alleged misconduct

British Cycling announced that Matthew Richardson will not compete at the 2026 Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai after internal evidence suggested he made discriminatory remarks toward people of minority backgrounds and referenced the N-word in jest. Richardson, 27, changed his national allegiance from Australia to Great Britain after the last Olympics and was expected to contend for multiple medals.

The withdrawal comes amid his recovery from a severe crash in the Keirin World Series that left him with a broken scapula and bruised hip, keeping him off his feet for four days. His long-term partner, Emma Finucane, a leading female rider for Great Britain, remains in the competition. The incident adds to the controversy surrounding Richardson’s recent performances and his earlier criticism of Australian teammates after his switch.