Olympic star could be banned for two years after defecting to Team GB | Other | Sport

Matthew Richardson could be handed a two-year ban from cycling following his shock defection to Team GB.

The cyclist, who took three medals at the recent Paris Games for Australia, announced his attention to switch allegiances earlier this week.

It comes just days after he made the Olympic podium in the French capital on three occasions, with cycling chiefs at AusCycling reported to have been left stunned by the decision.

So much so, that the Australian officials could explore a clause that would see Richardson banned from competing for Team GB until 2026.

Speaking after the defection, AusCycling’s executive general manager, Jesse Korf said: “There’s disappointment around the decision and the process and not knowing around Matt’s circumstances.

“For sure he will not compete at the upcoming world championships [in October].

“But the non-competition duration and clauses, that is being interrogated and looked into at the moment together with the UCI and ASC (Australian Sports Commission).”

He continued: “That is something that we would have to discuss internally because we obviously have a big say in that and we need to review that…

“So that would have to be a conversation to get to a joint decision [with the stakeholders] before we can share that and start a conversation with UCI and Matt and British Cycling.”

Richardson was British-born but had moved to Australia at an early age and has competed under the Australian flag ever since breaking into the sport.

He finished the Games as Australia’s most successful cyclist in Paris, but has cited a ‘childhood dream’ of competing for Team GB as the reason for his shock switch.

On Instagram, the newest member of Team GB’s cycling team said: “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…

“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.”