Matt Richardson speaks on controversial switch to Great Britain cycling team

Matt Richardson, the former Australian cycling star who defected to Great Britain, has said in an interview with British media that he feels “fitter and stronger” since making the controversial shift to team GB two years ago.

The sprint star’s decision to leave the Australian cycling program after the 2024 Paris Olympics sparked plenty of debate, with AusCycling saying at the time they were disappointed with the move.

Richardson, who was born in Kent, England, before moving to Australia as a child, represented Australia with great success, winning Commonwealth Games gold medals and claiming two Olympic silver medals in the individual sprint and keirin, along with a bronze in the team sprint at Paris.

Speaking to The Times last week, Richardson said the switch was not about completely changing his training approach, but about gaining access to the marginal improvements that can make a difference in elite sport.

Richardson said one of the biggest differences has been the level of support available around competition, particularly when it comes to equipment and travel.

“In Australia, doing World Cups, I’d be flying with only my race bike,” he said.

“Now I fly with four or five bikes.”

The 27-year-old said he believes those small advantages can add up in a sport where races are often decided by the smallest of margins.

“We’re in a sport where it’s about the one per cents,” Richardson said. “It all adds up and it all makes a difference.”

Since changing allegiance, Richardson has continued to establish himself among the world’s leading track sprinters. He became the first rider to break nine seconds for the flying 200 metres and has recorded major victories against Dutch sprint star Harrie Lavreysen.

The decision to leave Australia remains a contentious topic among Australian cycling fans, particularly given Richardson’s success while wearing the green and gold. However, Richardson told The Times that he is now focused on building his future in his new cycling environment.

“I’m trying to build that profile of Matthew Richardson, the Great British cyclist, rather than the Australian,” he said.

Richardson’s switch will come under further scrutiny at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he will represent England and is likely to line up against his former Australian teammates.