British cycling star Matthew Richardson is facing an investigation over allegations of racist and discriminatory behaviour, including claims that he used the N-word and made homophobic comments towards others.
The 27-year-old sprinter was reportedly investigated after allegedly sharing an offensive image with fellow riders that referenced another Great Britain cyclist.
Richardson was withdrawn from the British team competing at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai last month after British Cycling launched a misconduct investigation into his conduct.
Investigation Reportedly Followed Offensive Message to Team-Mates
According to The Times, the investigation began after male riders on British Cycling’s world-class programme became aware of a message Richardson had allegedly sent to colleagues.
The message reportedly contained an offensive image referencing another British rider.
Richardson has also been accused of repeatedly making discriminatory remarks about people from minority backgrounds, including allegedly using racially offensive language when referring to a cyclist from another international team.
A formal complaint was reportedly submitted before the Commonwealth Games in July, prompting British Cycling to examine the allegations.
Richardson’s representatives have been approached for comment by the Daily Mail.
British Cycling Responds to Misconduct Allegations
A spokesperson for British Cycling confirmed that complaints involving misconduct are handled through established procedures and said the organisation takes concerns about the wellbeing of its members seriously.
“The wellbeing of our people is fundamental to everything we do at British Cycling.
We are committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment, and any concerns raised are handled through our formal procedures.
“Any complaint is taken seriously. Allegations of misconduct are assessed carefully and thoroughly, and where evidence supports an allegation, we act promptly and appropriately,” the spokesperson told Daily Mail Sport.
Richardson previously acknowledged the seriousness of the reports surrounding his withdrawal from the World Championships and pledged to cooperate with the investigation.
Richardson Promises Full Cooperation With Investigation
In a statement released last month, the cyclist said he understood the seriousness of the allegations and would participate fully in British Cycling’s 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 said.
“British Cycling has said it looks into matters like this through its established procedures. I will co-operate fully with its processes.
I assure everyone that I will do so properly, and appropriately and with contrition for the feelings of anyone who might be affected.”
He added that he would refrain from making further public comments until the investigation had been completed, following advice and in consideration of everyone involved.
Richardson also expressed disappointment at missing the World Championships and wished the Great Britain team well.
Sprinter Expected to Return at London 3 Day Event
Richardson, who previously competed for Australia before switching allegiance to Great Britain in 2024, is expected to return to competitive action on Friday at the London 3 Day event.
The competition, which is not organised by British Cycling, will take place at Lee Valley VeloPark.
He is expected to face Dutch rival Harrie Lavreysen in the men’s sprint competition, renewing a rivalry between two of the sport’s leading sprinters.
Richardson defeated the five-time Olympic gold medallist to claim the European Championships sprint title earlier this year, ending Lavreysen’s unbeaten run in international competition that had lasted since 2019.
The British cyclist also made history last year when he became the first rider to complete the 200-metre flying lap in under nine seconds. His world-record time was 8.857 seconds.
Injury Kept Richardson Out of Competition Since July
Richardson has not competed since suffering a crash during a keirin event in Japan in July.
The resulting injury forced him to miss the Commonwealth Games, while the World Championships had been scheduled as his return to racing before his withdrawal from the British squad.
His current investigation has also affected his professional representation.
Rocket Sports, a talent agency co-founded by Sir Elton John, suspended its work with Richardson last month while the investigation continues.
The agency, which represents several current and former British Cycling athletes, including his girlfriend Emma Finucane, had announced his signing in September.
Emma Finucane Vows to Support Boyfriend
Finucane, who won two silver medals and a bronze at the World Championships, has publicly expressed her support for Richardson throughout the investigation.
The couple, who live together in Manchester, have been dating since February 2024 after knowing each other for several years.
Speaking to the BBC last month, Finucane said she would stand by her partner while the private investigation was ongoing.
“He’s my partner and I will support him no matter what through this difficult time while this private investigation is going on, we will leave it as that,” she said.
She also acknowledged the difficulties surrounding the situation during the World Championships in China, explaining that her priority had been delivering her best performances on the track.
“I guess every major event brings its own challenges and my focus in China was my own performances and everything else that has happened around it was pretty difficult but I’m really proud of the way I showed up and the way I performed.
“I gave everything out there on the track.”
Finucane declined to comment further on the investigation, saying it would be inappropriate to discuss a process being handled by British Cycling.
She added that the situation had been difficult for everyone involved but reiterated her pride in her performances at the championships.
