Former Australian cyclist who defected to Team GB pulls out of Commonwealth Games with injury

Former Australian track cyclist Matt Richardson has pulled out of the Commonwealth Games because of an injury he suffered while racing in Japan.

In a major blow to the Glasgow games, the English team announced on Wednesday night (AEST) that their sprint ace would no longer compete.

Richardson sensationally defected from Australia to Great Britain soon after winning three medals at the Paris Olympics.

The Kent-born star’s showdown with former teammate Leigh Hoffman shaped as one of the biggest stories of the games.

“Unfortunately, due to an injury sustained in international racing earlier this week, Matt Richardson will no longer be able to compete for Team England at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games,” team management posted on Instagram.

While Richardson has competed against Australian riders since his shock move, this would have been easily the highest-profile event where he was to go up against his former teammates.

Richardson and Hoffman, who rode together in winning team sprint bronze at the Paris Games, would have been the favourites in the match sprint and keirin at the Commonwealth Games.

The four-day track cycling program starts on Thursday night (AEST) at Glasgow’s Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, with the men’s team sprint one of the first gold medals to be decided.

On the athletics track, Australian middle-distance star Olli Hoare has been reinstated in the 1500m after he was clipped by a rival in his heat and did not qualify.

He immediately launched a protest after the race and the track referee sided with Hoare ensuring he will join fellow Australians Adam Spencer and Cam Myers in the final alongside Scotland’s world record holder Josh Kerr.

Australia’s fastest man Lachie Kennedy backed up the morning after his 100m silver medal-winning performance by running 20.50 in his 200m heat to advance to a semi-final.

Mia Gross and Monique Hanlon both won their women’s 200m heats.