In an emotional Instagram post, Matthew Richardson, 2022 UCI Track Champions League overall winner in the Men’s Sprint category, has announced a major shift in his career, signaling "the end of an era" and the start of a new chapter. Richardson revealed that he has decided to join the Great British Cycling Team.
This decision follows a remarkable period with Australian cycling, where Richardson achieved a standout milestone in 2022 by becoming the UCI Track Champions League champion in the Men’s Sprint category. He has been the only cyclist to date who has managed to outpace and defeat Harrie Lavreysen, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination.
Reflecting on his decision, Richardson expressed a mix of “excitement” and a sense of “renewal” as he embarks on this new phase of his career. He acknowledged the challenge of switching nationalities, describing it as a “personal choice made after careful consideration”. Despite this transition, Richardson conveyed his enduring respect for Australia and its cycling community, which will always hold a special place in his heart.
His impressive career also includes notable achievements from the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he secured three medals: two silvers in the Men’s Keirin and Sprint, and a bronze in the Men’s Team Sprint with the Australian team. These accomplishments further solidified his reputation as a top cyclist on the global stage.
Richardson emphasized in his post that this career move is not about “leaving something behind but about embracing a new chapter and pursuing his dream” of racing for the country of his birth.
