British track cyclist Matthew Richardson has been described as arrogant and accused of having a “God complex” by fellow riders, according to reports, as he remains absent from the 2026 UCI Track Cycling World Championships amid an ongoing misconduct investigation.
The 27-year-old was withdrawn from the Great Britain squad on Monday following allegations that he used racist and discriminatory language towards others, including the N-word.
His girlfriend, fellow British cyclist Emma Finucane, has remained in Shanghai for the competition and secured victory in the qualifying round of the women’s team sprint on Wednesday morning.
Fellow Riders Describe Richardson as Arrogant
According to The Times, riders within British Cycling’s World Class Programme have criticised Richardson’s attitude, describing him as arrogant and claiming he has a “God complex”.
One reported comment suggested that the sprinter’s standing within the team had influenced his perception of himself.
“At the velodrome he’s the golden boy,” the riders reportedly said.
“Matty is one of their best chances of a gold medal in LA and he knows it.”
British Cycling is understood to have opened an investigation after receiving a formal complaint concerning Richardson’s alleged conduct.
The specific allegations have not been publicly established as proven.
Richardson Breaks Silence on Misconduct Investigation
Richardson addressed the situation on Instagram on Tuesday, expressing disappointment over his withdrawal while confirming that he would cooperate with the investigation.
“I understand the seriousness of what has been raised in recent reports about my withdrawal from the 2026 UCI Track Cycling World Championships,” he wrote.
He acknowledged that British Cycling handles such matters through established procedures and said he would participate fully in the process.
“I assure everyone that I will do so properly, and appropriately and with contrition for the feelings of anyone who might be affected,” Richardson added.
The Olympic medallist also said he would refrain from making further comments until the process had concluded, citing advice and fairness to everyone involved.
“I am deeply disappointed to miss the World Championships, and I wish the Great Britain team and every rider competing the very best,” he said.
Finucane Continues Competition Amid Boyfriend’s Controversy
While Richardson has returned home, Finucane has continued her campaign in China.
The 23-year-old welcomed her parents to Shanghai on Monday ahead of the championships.
Her brother, Sean, 21, told the Daily Mail that the family was surprised by the allegations against Richardson, whom he described as a lovely person.
“We are all pretty shocked and surprised — he’s a lovely guy,” Sean said.
“He’s been here a lot and never shown any signs of that sort of behaviour. My parents flew out to Shanghai yesterday — none of us knew.”
Finucane, who won four gold medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, is scheduled to compete in the individual sprint, team sprint and keirin events at the championships.
Richardson and Finucane live together in Manchester and have been in a relationship since February 2024, having known each other for a considerable period before they began dating.
British Cycling Confirms Richardson’s Withdrawal
British Cycling confirmed that Richardson had been removed from the national team for the championships in Shanghai but declined to provide further details about the allegations.
A spokesperson for the organisation told Daily Mail Sport: “British Cycling can confirm that Matt Richardson has been withdrawn from the Great Britain Cycling Team squad for the upcoming 2026 Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai, China.”
Asked specifically about the misconduct allegations believed to have prompted the decision, the organisation said it would not comment further at this stage.
Richardson had been expected to form part of Britain’s men’s sprint squad alongside Harry Ledingham-Horn, Ed Lowe and Joe Truman.
European Championship Success Preceded World Championship Exit
Before his withdrawal, Richardson had been preparing to return to international competition after suffering an injury during the Keirin World Series in July.
Earlier this year, he enjoyed considerable success at the European Championships in Konya, Turkey, winning gold in both the men’s sprint and keirin.
He also secured silver in the team sprint alongside Joe Truman and Hamish Turnbull.
His planned appearance in Shanghai would have marked another major competition following his recovery from a serious crash that prevented him from participating in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Richardson’s Serious Crash Ruled Him Out of Glasgow
Last week, Richardson spoke about the July incident in which Japanese cyclist Kento Suzuki knocked him off the track during competition, leaving him to be taken from the velodrome in an ambulance.
The British sprinter said he felt fortunate to be walking following the crash and revealed that he had not received an apology from Suzuki.
Richardson had been among the favourites for gold at the Commonwealth Games but was unable to compete after sustaining a broken scapula and severe bruising to his hip.
He also said he had been unable to walk for four days following the incident.
The injury prevented him from attempting to defend the title he won at the 2022 Commonwealth Games while representing Australia.
Switch From Australia to Britain Made Headlines
Richardson was born in Maidstone, England, but moved to Perth, Australia, at the age of nine.
He subsequently developed a successful track cycling career representing Australia before changing his sporting allegiance to Great Britain.
The switch came shortly after the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he won two silver medals and a bronze for Australia.
His decision attracted considerable attention, and he was subsequently handed a lifetime ban from competing for Australia.
Richardson previously compared the differences between the Australian and British cycling programmes to “Hogwarts” and “High School”, respectively.
His absence from the Shanghai championships follows his earlier injury setback and comes as British Cycling continues its investigation into the allegations concerning his conduct.
