Commonwealth Games: Ex-Australian defector Matt Richardson pulls out of Glasgow showdown
Matt Richardson's much-anticipated Commonwealth Games showdown with Australia will not take place, with the English cycling defector pulling out of his event.
Former Australian track cyclist Matt Richardson has pulled out of the Commonwealth Games because of an injury he suffered while racing in Japan.
In a major blow to the Glasgow Games, the English team announced on Wednesday night (AEST) that their sprint ace would no longer compete.
Richardson sensationally defected from Australia to Great Britain soon after winning three medals at the the Paris Olympics.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The Kent-born star’s showdown with former teammate Leigh Hoffman shaped as arguably the biggest story of the Glasgow Games.
“Unfortunately, due to an injury sustained in international racing earlier this week, Matt Richardson will no longer be able to compete for Team England at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games,” team management posted on Instagram.
While Richardson has competed against Australian riders since his shock move, this would have been easily the highest-profile event where he was to go up against his former teammates.
Richardson and Hoffman, who rode together in winning team sprint bronze at the Paris Games, would have been the favourites in the match sprint and keirin at the Commonwealth Games.
The four-day Games track cycling program starts on Thursday night (AEST) at Glasgow’s Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, with the men’s team sprint one of the first gold medals to be decided.
Originally published on AAP
