Former world champion observe sprinter Matthew Richardson has efficiently modified his racing nationality and can be a part of the Nice Britain biking crew.
The 25-year-old was born in Kent, however moved to Australia when he was 9, and has lived there ever since. A former gymnast, he has represented Australia in observe biking since he was a junior, successful the crew dash world title in 2022, and three medals on the latest Paris Olympic Video games: silver in each the dash and keirin, and bronze within the crew dash.
Richardson is taken into account to be among the finest observe sprinters on the earth, second solely to the Netherlands’ Harrie Lavreysen. He’ll now be coached throughout the British set-up by Jason Kenny, Staff GB’s most profitable Olympian ever.
“I’ve made the choice to pack up my whole life and transfer midway internationally to start the following chapter in my biking profession,” Richardson stated. “It’s with a way of pleasure and renewal I announce I’ve joined the Nice British Biking Staff.
“Switching nationality was a tough determination, and never one I took frivolously. It was a private alternative, made after cautious consideration of my profession and future. I deeply respect Australia and the Aus Biking Staff and it’ll all the time be part of who I’m. As this new chapter in my life begins, I want to sincerely thank the coaches and help employees who’ve labored with me over a few years in Australia.
“However this determination is about following my ardour and pushing myself to new heights. This is not about leaving one thing behind, however about embracing a brand new chapter in my journey and chasing a dream, a dream that’s to race for the county which I used to be born in.”
Since transferring to Australia, Richardson has maintained twin citizenship, maintaining each British and Australian passports.
As a result of UCI guidelines within the nationality swap course of, he isn’t eligible to compete on the 2024 World Championships this October or the 2025 European Championships in February.
He’ll, nonetheless, be a key a part of the dash squad within the run-up to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, alongside latest crew dash silver medallists Jack Carlin, Hamish Turnbull and Ed Lowe.
Stephen Park, the British crew’s efficiency director, stated the dash squad continues to go from “power to power” with the addition of Richardson.
“I’m excited to see what his presence provides to the expertise we have already got as we begin to flip our consideration to the brand new four-year cycle in direction of LA 2028,” he stated.
In a press release shared by Aus Biking, efficiency supervisor Jesse Korf stated the announcement of Richardson’s swap was “disappointing and got here as a shock”.
“We additionally perceive that the will to compete for a rustic one was born in can convey forth sturdy feelings,” Korf stated.
