Britain rules the Shanghai velodrome as questions swirl outside it
Great Britain topped the medal table at the world track championships in Shanghai. The team won six gold medals, three silver medals and three bronze medals. The Guardian
The championships ran from 14 to 18 October 2026 in Shanghai, China, with 22 events on the programme. UCI It was the first qualifying event for the 2028 Olympic Games.
It was Britain’s most successful track worlds since Melbourne in 2012. That squad also collected six gold medals.
Anna Morris led the charge with three world titles. She joined Victoria Pendleton and Bradley Wiggins as British triple gold medallists at a single track world championships.
Morris’s haul included victory in the women’s Madison in Shanghai. BBC Sport The Madison is a two-rider team race where partners take turns to race and to rest. Erin Boothman also took Madison gold in Shanghai. Millie Couzens won the individual pursuit, a solo race against the clock over a set distance.
For fans, this means early momentum for Los Angeles. Qualifying points count. Golds now ease pressure later.
The results landed alongside serious questions off the track. Matt Richardson was withdrawn from competition on the eve of the championships over allegations of discriminatory remarks.
British Cycling launched an investigation into alleged discriminatory posts and behaviour. The Times Richardson was sent home from China after being withdrawn from the British team. He had won sprint silver for Australia at the Paris Olympics.
A survey commissioned by former British Cycling chief executive Jon Dutton found 31% of riders and staff had witnessed or experienced thoughtless, inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour. Asked to describe the world-class programme, respondents most often chose “driven”. “Toxic” was joint-second alongside “supportive”.
Former commercial manager Jack Lindsay said he complained formally over bullying but there was no action against the individual he sought to hold responsible. Georgia Holt, a Commonwealth Games medallist and paracycling world champion, said she had experienced the same toxic culture.
A British Cycling spokesperson said its restructuring changes will result in some roles being removed. Sources told The Guardian that up to 17 roles are considered at risk.
