British Cycling can confirm today that sprint cyclist Matt Richardson will be joining the Great Britain Cycling Team programme after being successful in his application for change of nationality via the UCI.
Richardson was born in Maidstone, Kent, having moved to Warwick, Western Australia aged nine with his family where he has lived for 16 years and maintained dual citizenship. After competing for Australia since junior level, Richardson has decided the time is right to return to the UK to live permanently and will be continuing his cycling career as part of the GBCT sprint squad, coached by Sir Jason Kenny.
In his career to date, Richardson has been Commonwealth champion twice, world champion in the team sprint in 2022, as well as collecting four other world championship medals and recently returned from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with two silver and a bronze medal.
Matt Richardson said: “I have made the decision to pack up my entire life and move halfway 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. 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.
“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 county which I was born in.”
Stephen Park CBE, Performance Director for GBCT said: “We’re pleased to welcome Matt to the team and will be supporting him in his transition onto the programme over the coming weeks and months.
“We are incredibly proud of our sprint programme, which has delivered some fantastic results at the recent Olympic Games and continues to go from strength to strength. Matt will only be adding to this strength in depth and I am excited to see what his presence adds to the talent we already have as we start to turn our attention to the new four-year cycle towards LA 2028.
Richardson will join the 139 athletes on the GBCT programme that are supported by UK Sport through National Lottery funding.
