England's track cycling hopes have taken a hit with the news that Olympic and world medallist Matt Richardson will not compete in the Commonwealth Games this week. Richardson sustained an injury during international racing earlier this week, ruling him out of the Glasgow 2026 event.
The 27-year-old had been a strong favourite for gold in the individual sprint, team sprint, and keirin races, marking his first Commonwealth Games representing England. His previous Commonwealth Games experience in Birmingham 2022 saw him win two golds for Australia.
Team England confirmed Richardson's withdrawal in a statement on Wednesday, wishing him a swift recovery. Harry Radford will step in to take Richardson’s place in the men’s sprint events, making his Commonwealth Games debut.
Richardson, who was born in Maidstone, Kent, switched nationality to represent Great Britain after the Paris 2024 Olympics. Since then, he has achieved notable success, including two silvers at the 2025 World Championships and two golds and a silver at the 2026 European Championships, where he became the first British man to win the sprint title.