★ The Sports Examiner: Chronicling the key competitive, economic and political forces shaping elite sport and the Olympic Movement.★
★ To get the daily Sports Examiner Recap by e-mail: sign up here! ★
≡ SPOTLIGHT ≡
“Richardson will not be eligible to rejoin the Australian Cycling Team at any point in the future.”
That’s a life ban for track cycling star Matthew Richardson from Australia Cycling (AusCycling) following his move from Australia to Great Britain to continue his cycling career. Richardson made his first appearance for Great Britain at last weekend’s first leg of the UCI Track Champions League in France.
Monday’s AusCycling statement had more:
“AusCycling has finalised a review of the circumstances which saw track cyclist Matthew Richardson announce a change of nationality from Australia to Great Britain following the Olympic Games in Paris.
“The review, which involved a thorough investigation of Richardson’s actions, has determined he acted in a way which conflicted with the values of AusCycling, the Australian National Team and the broader cycling community.”
The life ban includes no use of AusCycling “resources” or awards. The review also found Richardson acted improperly, specifically:
“● Richardson requested that the world cycling body, the Union Cycliste Internationale, delay official disclosure of his nationality change until after the Olympic Games. This request was supported by British Cycling.
“● He also withheld news of his decision from AusCycling, his teammates, and key stakeholders prior to the Games.
“● After the Games, but before announcing his decision, Richardson asked to take AusCycling property including a custom bike, cockpit, and Olympic race suit to Great Britain. This represented an unacceptable risk to AusCycling’s intellectual property.”
Although discussions apparently began in February, Richardson himself did not post a notice about the change of allegiance on his Instagram page until 19 August, more than a week after the close of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games:
“I have made the decision to pack up my entire life and move half way across the world to begin the next chapter in my cycling career. It is with a sense of excitement and renewal I announce I have joined the Great British Cycling Team.
“Switching nationality was a difficult decision, and not one I took lightly. It was a personal choice, made after careful consideration of my career and future. It’s not something I decided on quickly or easily. I deeply respect Australia and the Aus Cycling Team and it will always be a part of who I am.
“As this new chapter in my life begins, I would like to sincerely thank the coaches and support staff who have worked with me over many years in Australia. Special mention to Midland Cycle Club, WAIS and Aus Cycling with personal thanks to the two biggest coaching influences in my career, Clay Worthington and Matt Crampton. I want to say a huge thank you to my teammates for everything we’ve been through together. You’ve been there for the highs and the lows, and I’m so grateful for all the support, laughter, and hard work we’ve shared.
“But this decision is about following my passion and pushing myself to new heights. This isn’t about leaving something behind, but about embracing a new chapter in my journey and chasing a dream, a dream that is to race for the country in which I was born.
“I hope you can understand and support me as I continue to give my best in the sport I love.”
The back story is that Richardson was born in England, but moved with his family to Australia when was nine. He is reported to hold dual citizenship.
He had been a star for Australia, winning Paris Olympic silvers in the Sprint, Team Sprint and Keirin, and five World Championships medals, including a gold in the Team Sprint in 2022. Richardson has already shown that, at 25, he’s at his peak, after scoring Sprint and Keirin wins over Olympic champ Harrie Lavreysen (NED) at the UCI Track Champions League opener last weekend.
¶
★ Receive our exclusive, weekday TSX Recap by e-mail by clicking here.
★ Sign up a friend to receive the TSX Recap by clicking here.
★ Please consider a donation here to keep this site going.
For our updated, 885-event International Sports Calendar for the rest of 2024, 2025 and beyond, by date and by sport, click here!
