Richardson responds to misconduct reports after Great Britain Track Worlds withdrawal

Matthew Richardson has said he will cooperate with British Cycling’s processes after being withdrawn from Great Britain’s squad for the Track World Championships in Shanghai. His response on 13 October followed reports of alleged misconduct; it was not an announcement about the crash he suffered in July.

British Cycling confirmed the squad withdrawal on 12 October. The governing body’s published response, reproduced in contemporary reporting, did not state a reason. That distinction matters: the selection decision is confirmed, while the reported circumstances have not been established by a published investigation outcome.

Richardson’s response

In his Instagram statement, reproduced in reporting on 13 October, Richardson said:

“I will co-operate fully with its processes.”

He said he would not comment further until the process was complete and asked for his family’s privacy to be respected. Addressing his absence from the competition, he added:

“I am deeply disappointed to miss the World Championships.”

Those comments describe his stated response. They should not be presented as an admission to any specific allegation.

What British Cycling has said

The federation’s withdrawal statement includes the confirmation:

“Matt Richardson has been withdrawn from the Great Britain Cycling Team squad”

In its separately reported response, British Cycling said concerns are considered through its established procedures and that it would not discuss an ongoing process. This article does not repeat unverified details of alleged behaviour or claim that a finding has been made.

The immediate sporting consequence

The UCI confirms the championships take place from 14 to 18 October at Shanghai’s Chongming Island velodrome. Richardson’s removal changes Britain’s line-up at the start of that competition.

The July crash belongs to his earlier racing history. It should not be used to explain the October withdrawal: the current development is his removal from the squad and his response to misconduct reporting.

Official championship details · Richardson’s statement