Matt Richardson may face two years on sidelines following switch from Australia to GB, say AusCycling
Published 21/08/2024 at 09:13 GMT+1
The now former Australian cyclist Matt Richardson could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines following his surprising nationality switch from Australia to the country of his birth, Great Britain. He announced his decision after the Paris Olympics, but it remains to be seen when he could actually compete for GB, with uncertainty around his eligibility.
Watch as Richardson pulls off not one but TWO backflips to celebrate track silver
Video credit: TNT Sports
Matt Richardson's hopes of representing Team GB may have hit a setback amid questions over his eligibility to race for his new nation.
Richardson was one of Australia’s star performers on the track at the Paris Olympics, picking up three medals in the sprint events. But shortly after the Games concluded, he announced he was switching allegiance from the green and gold to GB.
Having been born in Kent and living in the UK until he was nine, Richardson has always been a dual citizen, but his return to competition in the colours of GB might not be as straightforward as hoped.
The Australian cycling programme are pushing the UCI to clarify their rules on allegiance switches and whether this means a stay on the sidelines for Richardson in the immediate future.
AusCycling’s executive general manager of performance, Jesse Korf, has recently said:
"He will not compete at the upcoming World Championships.
"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)."
"We are confident the UCI will enforce [the two-year non-competition period] as per UCI regulations,” was then the official comment from AusCycling.
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Australia's Matthew Richardson celebrates his silver medal on the podium of the men's track cycling keirin event of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Image credit: Getty Images
Were Richardson to be ineligible to compete for two years, he would miss the world championships which take place this October, as well as other events.
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“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,” Richardson had said.
“I deeply respect Australia and the Aus Cycling Team and it will always be a part of who I am. As this new chapter in my life begins, I would like to sincerely thank the coaches and support staff who have worked with me over many years in Australia.”
As it stands, the normal procedure for a first change of allegiance is for the rider to miss the next edition of the world championships and the continental championships, which would rule Richardson out of the world championships in Denmark later this year.
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