Richardson could face two-year ineligibility after GB switch

Australia’s cycling governing body expects Matt Richardson to be ineligible to take part in competitive events for two years after switching nationality to Great Britain.

The 25-year-old track cyclist, who won three medals for Australia at the Paris Olympics, announced his change of allegiance last week on Instagram.

Under Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) rules, cyclists who change nationality are not eligible to compete at the next edition of the World and continental Championships which follow the date of their switch.

But AusCycling says it understands a two-year non-competition period will apply to Richardson.

“We are confident the UCI will enforce [the two-year non-competition period] as per UCI regulations,” said AusCycling.

Richardson, who is a two-time Commonwealth Games champion, was born in Kent but moved to Western Australia at the age of nine, and maintained dual citizenship during his 16 years living there.

He said it had been a “difficult decision” to join Team GB, adding his choice was made to “push himself to new heights”.

Jesse Korf, AusCycling executive general manager of performance, said there had been “disappointment around the decision and process”.

“He will not compete at the upcoming World Championships,” said Korf.

“But the non-competition duration and clauses, that is being interrogated and looked into at the moment together with the UCI and ASC (Australian Sports Commission).”

The World Championships, which take place every year, begin in October in Ballerup, Denmark.

When contacted by BBC Sport, British Cycling confirmed Richardson will not be eligible for the event in Denmark and February’s European Championships, which take place in Belgium, but did not comment on AusCycling’s claim he will be ineligible for two years.

The UCI is also yet to comment.