Matt Richardson withdrawn from GB squad for track Worlds

Matt Richardson has been withdrawn from Great Britain's squad for the World Track Cycling Championships in Shanghai.

The championships run from 14 to 18 October in China. Richardson had been expected to challenge for medals in the team sprint, the individual sprint and the keirin. BBC Sport

British Cycling did not give a reason for the withdrawal. It declined to comment to BBC Sport on reports that the withdrawal was linked to a misconduct investigation, reports first published by The Times.

Richardson said he was deeply disappointed to miss the World Championships. He said he understood the seriousness of what was raised in recent media reports.

In a statement, the 27-year-old said he will co-operate fully with British Cycling's processes concerning the allegations. He added he would do so with contrition for the feelings of anyone who might be affected.

The Times reported that British Cycling had launched an investigation into alleged discriminatory posts and behaviour, and that Richardson was returning home from China after leaving the squad. The Times

On the track, his absence is a loss for Britain's sprint group. The team sprint is a three-rider race against the clock, the individual sprint is a one-on-one tactical duel, and the keirin is a bunched sprint held behind a pacing bike before a final dash for the line.

Richardson switched allegiance from Australia to Britain after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He won two silver medals and a bronze medal in Paris. Born in Maidstone, he missed his anticipated England debut at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July after crashing in a keirin race in Japan.