A bombshell rocks the track cycling world: Matt Richardson has left the British national team training camp and will not compete at the Shanghai World Championships which kick off on Wednesday the 14th. The decision came following allegations of "misconduct."

The twenty-seven-year-old sprinter - the second fastest in the world and the only rider capable of rivaling and beating Harrie Lavreysen - was born in Great Britain and emigrated to Australia with his family at age nine, but returned to race under the British flag in 2023 and was a standout performer at the Paris Olympics, claiming silver in the sprint and keirin and bronze in the team sprint.

Now, following a Times article highlighting concerns about his behavior raised by fellow riders, Richardson has left the team's training facility in China.

"British Cycling confirms that Matt Richardson has withdrawn from the British track cycling team for the upcoming 2026 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai, China," the federation stated in a release.

The Times reports that when initially approached, British Cycling responded: "British Cycling takes any allegation of harassment, bullying or discrimination extremely seriously. Where concerns are raised, these are thoroughly investigated in accordance with our established procedures. In fairness to all those involved in an investigation, we will not comment on any ongoing proceedings". The rider has not yet been reached by journalists.

Richardson, who was forced to miss the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer due to a crash in a keirin race, is considered a central figure for the British team both in China and for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

A situation that needs clarification and close monitoring, one that could have repercussions within the British national team, particularly given that Richardson's partner is Emma Finucane, one of the fastest women in the world.