Matthew Richardson pulled from China track worlds by British Cycling after concerns raised over behavior and racist language.
(Photo: Dilara Irem Sancar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Updated October 13, 2026 12:18AM
Track superstar and “fastest man in the world” Matthew Richardson has been pulled from this week’s UCI World Championships in China amid an investigation for serious misconduct.
The Times reported Monday that British Cycling is conducting an internal review of the 27-year-old after concerns were raised about his behavior, including how he interacted with fellow athletes.
The British outlet wrote it “has seen evidence of Richardson apparently making discriminatory remarks about people from minority backgrounds and even joking about his use of the N-word.”
Richardson, 27, was seen as a shoo-in for medals at the Shanghai track worlds.
He won silver at both the individual and team sprints at last year’s world championships and is reigning European sprint and Kierin champion. He was anointed “the fastest man in the world” last summer when he broke the world record for the flying start 200m time trial.
It’s understood that Richardson, who switched racing nationality from Australia to Great Britain in 2024, had already traveled to China before he was withdrawn from Team GB.
British Cycling confirmed to the media Monday night that Richardson had been pulled from its world championship roster, but did not provide details.
“British Cycling can confirm that Matt Richardson has been withdrawn from the Great Britain Cycling Team squad for the upcoming 2026 Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai, China,” read the note.
The Times reported that British Cycling had opened an investigation into Richardson’s behavior following complaints from another rider.
The federation also told The Times that “British Cycling takes any allegations of harassment, bullying or discrimination extremely seriously. Where concerns are raised, they are investigated thoroughly through our established procedures. Out of fairness to anyone involved in an investigation, we would not comment on any ongoing process.”
Richardson has not provided comment.
Track world championships run from Wednesday, October 14 through Sunday, October 18.