Australian silver medal cyclist Matthew Richardson DEFECTS to Team GB as boyfriend of British cycling star Emma Finucane switches nationalities to leave senior figures in the sport stunned at ‘insane’ move

Track cyclist Matthew Richardson has been cleared to ride for Team GB at the next Olympic Games after his controversial departure from Australia.

The 25-year-old won three medals for Australia at the Paris Olympics earlier this month, taking silver in the sprint and keirin and bronze in the team sprint.

But in an extraordinary move that stunned the cycling world, Richardson has decided to represent rivals Great Britain at Los Angeles 2028 after his application for a nationality change was successful.

Richardson was born in Maidstone, Kent, but moved Down Under at the age of nine and has represented Australia since junior level.

The process to switch nationalities has taken months, meaning Richardson, who is currently in a relationship with Team GB cyclist Emma Finucane, knew he would defect before representing Australia in Paris.

The 25-year-old (left) won three medals for Australia at the Paris Games earlier this month, with silver in the sprint and keirin and bronze in the team sprint.

Richardson is currently in a relationship with Team GB cyclist Emma Finucane (pictured)

Aus Cycling boss Jess Korf admitted Richardson’s move was “disappointing and surprising”.

But Richardson said: ‘I have decided to pack up my whole life and move to the other side of the world to start the next chapter in my cycling career.

‘It was a personal choice, made after careful consideration of my career and future.

‘I have a lot of respect for Australia and the Aus Cycling team and it will always be a part of me.

‘But with this decision I am following my passion and pushing myself to new heights.

‘It’s not about leaving anything behind, but about starting a new chapter in my journey and chasing a dream. A dream that is to race for the country where I was born.’

Richardson’s ‘appointment’ is a huge boost to Britain’s chances of a medal at LA28, after a relatively disappointing Paris Olympics where they won just one gold medal.

Richardson outperformed Britain’s top male sprinter Jack Carlin, who won bronze in the sprint and crashed in the keirin final.

His presence will also significantly boost Britain’s hopes of winning the team sprint in LA after they took silver behind the Netherlands in Paris.

Richardson’s move has stunned cycling’s top figures, with one telling Mail Sport it was “unheard of” and “insane”.

But Richardson’s move has stunned cycling’s top brass, with one telling Mail Sport it was “unheard of” and “madness” and criticizing Britain for picking riders from rivals rather than developing their own talent.

Aus Cycling has also, tellingly, removed the comments on their post about the news on X.

“We are delighted to welcome Matt to the team and will be supporting him as he transitions into the programme over the coming weeks and months,” said Stephen Park, British Cycling’s performance director.

‘We are extremely proud of our sprint program, which delivered fantastic results at the recent Olympic Games and continues to improve.

“Matt will only add to this strength and I’m excited to see what his presence adds to the talent we already have as we turn our attention to the new four-year cycle for LA 2028.”

According to the rules of the international cycling federation UCI, Richardson is not allowed to compete in the world championships in Denmark in October or the European championships in February. He will be available in the run-up to LA28.