Australia's cycling governing body anticipates that Matt Richardson will be barred from participating in competitive events for two years following his nationality switch to Great Britain. The 25-year-old track cyclist, who earned three medals for Australia at the Paris Olympics, announced his decision to change allegiance via Instagram last week. According to Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) regulations, cyclists who change nationality are ineligible to compete in the subsequent World and continental Championships after their switch.
AusCycling has indicated that it expects the two-year non-competition period to be enforced for Richardson. "We are confident the UCI will uphold the two-year non-competition period in accordance with their regulations," stated AusCycling. This period would prevent Richardson from participating in major cycling events during this time frame.
Richardson, a two-time Commonwealth Games champion, was born in Kent but relocated to Western Australia at the age of nine. He held dual citizenship throughout his 16 years in Australia. Richardson described his decision to join Team GB as a challenging one, motivated by a desire to "push himself to new heights."
AusCycling's executive general manager of performance, Jesse Korf, expressed disappointment regarding the decision and its implications. "He will not compete at the upcoming World Championships," Korf noted. The non-competition period and related clauses are currently being reviewed in collaboration with the UCI and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). The World Championships are set to begin in October in Ballerup, Denmark.
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